AF and Flu: Why is that flu and colds... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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AF and Flu

SpritzerAce profile image
12 Replies

Why is that flu and colds more often than not lead to an episode of AF? Do you guys have the same experience? Since flu and cold medicines often make arrhythmia or palpitations worse, been told not to take any antihistamine and just ride it out. What did you normally do to get rid of of flu naturally? I mean what did you find work best for you? Thanks.

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SpritzerAce
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BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

AF is sensitive to any inflamation in the body. I usually take echinacea, paracetamol , and hot lemon.

SpritzerAce profile image
SpritzerAce in reply toBobD

Thanks Bob 👍🏻

dedeottie profile image
dedeottie

I had a really bad flu like virus recently with a high temp for 5 days. I just took paracetamol to keep temp under control but the virus triggered an episode of AF and that was the first in a few years as an ablation and Flecanide had kept it at bay. I was gutted especially as I have had another episode since. I have been living like a saint and in the event it only took a virus to bring it back. So I think Bobs comment about AF not responding well to inflammation, must be correct. X

SpritzerAce profile image
SpritzerAce in reply todedeottie

Thank you. Even when I have canker sores it can trigger AF ☹️

john-boy-92 profile image
john-boy-92

As Bob has mentioned, illness can cause AF. Paracetamol helps flu symptoms but a cold might not require anything. The problem comes if you are ill in hospital with a condition not related to AF as you may end up on an amiodarone drip; been there.

SpritzerAce profile image
SpritzerAce in reply tojohn-boy-92

Yeah. I know right .. thanks for the reply.

Jennyquilt0 profile image
Jennyquilt0

I have found that infections do trigger my PAF as for cold and flu remedies stick with old fashioned honey,lemon and cider vinegar won’t cure it,but tastes nice!

SpritzerAce profile image
SpritzerAce in reply toJennyquilt0

Thanks Jenny.

Patsy10 profile image
Patsy10

I think that if you are under the weather for any reason then AF is likely to visit! That has definitely been my experience. For colds etc. I take just paracetamol as advised by Consultant together with honey and lemon.

Like yourself I have been told to avoid any hay fever meds. so am

hoping to avoid the 'pollen bomb's this weekend!

Have a nice Easter.

SpritzerAce profile image
SpritzerAce in reply toPatsy10

Thanks and Happy Easter to you too.

Morzine profile image
Morzine

Well I’ve had a bad throat and chest this past week and my heart has had a few episodes not of af thankfully but just nit feeling right....mainly when I went to bed, so it’s deffo the germs.....plus I’ve had a death I’m trying to not cry so much but it’s hard and that’s affecting my heart acting a bit odd at times......it post ablation time for me and I’d ha e likes a calmer two weeks......I’ve nit taken anything for these germs as I hadn’t a clue what I could take Cept. paracetamol.

Sue

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Hi Sue, I'm sorry to hear you're tearful because of the loss of someone close to you. It's not wrong for you to cry, we need to let our sadness out at times, I believe that holding it in can cause untold damage.

Sending you a big caring comforting hug.

Jean x

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