While the flu is often brushed off as a seasonal nuisance, it can trigger life-threatening complications—from acute respiratory failure to heart attacks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that as of March 8, at least 41 million people had been sickened by influenza, of which 540,000 were hospitalized and 23,000 died.
Experts warn that for older adults and those with chronic conditions, a flu infection can quickly spiral into a medical emergency. Here’s what you need to know to stay protected—plus how Eastern and Western medicine can work together to guard your health.
Increased Risk of Respiratory Failure
Complications caused by flu should not be taken lightly. In 2024, Scientific Reports published a study analyzing the clinical data of 1,402 influenza patients in Romania, of which 64.5 percent were children and 9.1 percent were elderly (65 and older). The study found that 9.9 percent of the patients developed acute respiratory failure.In particular, when compared with patients in other age groups, the risk of respiratory failure in the elderly was 8.9 times higher than that of the others. For those with one chronic disease, the risk increased by 7 times, and with three chronic diseases, 11.5 times. If symptoms occur for more than three days before seeking medical treatment, the risk increases to 2.4 times. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity are most strongly associated with the progression of acute respiratory failure, the researchers said.
In addition, compared with influenza A cases, the risk of influenza B cases worsening to acute respiratory failure was half that of influenza A. However, when there is a co-infection with influenza virus with respiratory syncytial virus the risk of acute respiratory failure can increase by 3.1 times.
Influenza as Cause of Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure
In addition to respiratory problems, the flu can cause myocardial infarction and heart failure.A Dutch-based study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024 showed that the risk of acute myocardial infarction within one week after influenza infection was 6.16 times higher than the control period (one year before influenza infection, and one week to one year after influenza infection). Among patients who had never been hospitalized for coronary heart disease, the risk soared to 16.6 times.
Why do people who have never had heart disease have a much-increased risk of myocardial infarction after influenza infection? In an interview with The Epoch Times, Dr. Liu Zhongping, a cardiologist and director of Taiwan’s Yuping Clinic, said that patients who have been hospitalized for heart disease are already taking drugs to prevent cardiovascular disease, and these drugs may offer a certain degree of protection against cardiovascular disease caused by colds.
Liu said that patients with cardiovascular disease must not stop taking their medications alone when infected with influenza. “Colds may cause the heartbeat to accelerate and increase the risk of myocardial infarction. Patients with hypertension will also see an increase in their blood pressure readings. So, do not stop taking medication on your own.”
“Generally used clinical cough and phlegm medicines rarely interact with drugs dedicated to the heart. Moreover, paracetamol, a commonly used drug by the public, is in general safe and will not interact with those used for heart disease and high blood pressure, so they can be taken together,” he said.
Influenza Increases Mortality in Heart Failure Patients
Influenza increases the morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. A study published in JACC: Heart Failure in 2019 showed that among more than 8 million heart failure patients hospitalized for assorted conditions in the United States, more than 54,000 were infected with influenza at the same time. Heart failure patients infected with influenza had a 6.2 percent higher mortality rate during hospitalization, which was 5.4 percent higher than influenza-free patients. Moreover, 30.3 percent of patients infected with influenza developed acute kidney injury, compared with 28.7 percent of uninfected patients, and the proportions of acute kidney injury requiring dialysis were 2.4 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively.Antiviral Drugs Help Reduce Severe Diseases
Dr. Yang Jingduan, CEO of New York Northern Medical Center, told The Epoch Times that during the flu season, one must also be wary of concurrent infections such as respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 virus. In particular, older people and patients with chronic diseases must be wary of the risk of viral pneumonia. He recommends taking antiviral drugs promptly, which can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization if taken within 48 hours of infection.Research shows that taking oseltamivir, an antiviral drug used to treat influenza, within 48 hours of infection can significantly shorten the length of hospital stay and increase the discharge rate by 50 percent.
Taking Chinese Medicinal Herbs to Improve Immunity
Yang also recommends using immunity-boosting traditional Chinese medicinal herbs to enhance the body’s resistance against diseases, such as Astragalus, Codonopsis, and Yupingfeng powder.Yupingfeng powder is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) against influenza. It is composed of three medicinal herbs: Scutellaria baicalensis, Saposhnikoviae radix, and Atractylodes. It can be used as a preventive medicine during the peak period of influenza. Research has confirmed that Yupingfeng powder can enhance immune cell function, promote antibody production, and inhibit inflammation caused by influenza.
Yang said it is always necessary to consult a qualified TCM practitioner before taking traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Since everyone’s constitution is different, the selection and dosage need to be adjusted according to individual circumstances.
Keep Your Neck Warm to Prevent Flu
Chen Wenrong, director of Hanlin Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Taiwan and a TCM practitioner, told The Epoch Times that people with respiratory problems often suffer from coughs, runny noses, nasal congestion, or phlegm in the throat. Because the mucous membranes are in a state of inflammation for a long time, viruses and bacteria can easily find their way in. These people should take precautions to regulate their bodies as early as possible and enhance their immunity. He also suggested wearing a scarf around the neck on a regular basis to keep your neck warm and prevent coughing and colds from starting in the first place.He added that the high-risk groups susceptible to influenza often have weak constitutions. They should take great care to maintain a balanced diet, avoid eating too much cold or cooling food, and protect the spleen and stomach to enhance immunity. At the same time, make sure you get enough quality sleep and get to bed at a reasonable hour to avoid bringing chronic inflammation into the body.
