Influenza infection, Acute myocardial Infarction, Flu Shot during COVID-19 Pandemic in US population. A Review of Literature

Influenza is a major cause of hospitalization in all age groups but can cause more severe infections in specific high-risk population. Novel Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and Influenza virus infection cause similar illness and coexist. Cardiovascular complications due to influenza are important causes of morbidity and mortality in the US, especially in the elderly population (aged more than 65 years). Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is the most serious among the cardiovascular causes of mortality following the attack of influenza, mainly in patients with various co-morbidities like pre-existing coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and heart failure (HF). We have reviewed the association between influenza virus infection and AMI and extrapolated the beneficial effects of influenza vaccine in preventing AMI and its grave consequences. We have also highlighted about the importance of flu shot during the COVID-19 pandemic.