AF and the flu and COVID injections

[ferndale28]

I have had PAF for some 10 years now and it has always been triggered by an infection of some sort. Each time apart from once I was converted back into sinus rhythm by DC Cardiovsion.

This week I went into fast AF again and was again taken to hospital. At the time I was not able to put my finger on the trigger which was a bit of a concern. The hospital would not DC CV me there and then but added Digoxin to my medication and sent me home.

I have seen my Cardiologist who is going to arrange a DC CV for me but he is sure the episode was kicked off by the flu and Moderna COVID injections I had 3 days earlier. I hadn’t thought of this but it does all add up.

[BobD Volunteer]

Probably system overload. As I mention elsewhere I have mine about three weks apart next month.

[ferndale28 in reply to BobD]

I think you’re correct and very wise. I wish I had my sensible head on when offered the jabs

[sassy59]

I’m having mine two weeks apart. Never have liked the idea of flu and covid booster together. Wishing you well.

[ferndale28 in reply to sassy59]

thanks Sassy, I never gave it a thought at the time but obvious now. The Consultant did say that if I did get COVID I would almost certainly go into fast AF again

[secondtry]

I hold the view that for many, not all, AF is caused, not by one trigger in isolation, but by a build up of various factors until you get 'overload' - in your case it was the jabs that pushed you over the edge. I would work on lifestyle changes to reduce other contributory factors so you have a bigger safety margin when that 'extra issue' can't be avoided.

[ferndale28 in reply to secondtry]

thanks secondtry, wise advice which I normally apply. However, I stupidly accepted both jabs at the same time without any thought of the implications. Previously had them separately weeks apart and no problem but just did not think when I was offered them together this time. A lesson learned no doubt.

[secondtry in reply to ferndale28]

Yes, one of the hardest lessons to learn with AF is not to drop your guard when you are feeling well. I know how easy it is to be complacent and bend the rules or just simply forget. Diarise the 4 best things of each day and whilst doing it remind yourself on the precautions you take to ensure tomorrow is the same!

[bassets]

I had the Moderna Vaccine last Fridy. It didn't kick me into AF but I had a severe reaction for two days. My flu jab is a week on Saturday so I'm hoping this will go better. I find you can never tell whether you will have a reaction or not and so never have both a the same time.

I hope ou are feeling much better now

[ferndale28 in reply to bassets]

thanks bassets, if only I had thought like you I wouldn’t be in this situation. Still, I can’t turn the clock back but a harsh lesson learned. The Cardiologist did say that it was essential to have the vaccine as catching COVID would almost certainly trigger my AF. I will never have two jabs together again.

[Nan1]

I think you’re doctor could be right. I had my Pneumonia vaccination on Monday as due for operation in three weeks time and thought I should get this jab. Since then I have had last three days in almost constant AF and this morning considering what I should do. Hope things settle down for you

[bassets in reply to Nan1]

Hope this settles down for you soon x

[KaliBill]

I posted recently that my AF kicked off after the Moderna jab , previous had vee pfizer and i dont think my reaction was as bad. Ive then had a cold for 10 days. Im glad i didnt have the flu jab at the same time, thats in a couple of weeks, so ill probably have anither few episodes. Hate the AF and had managed to not have an episide for 2/3 months before that !

[honey1958]

My arrhythmia nurse said its a bad idea to have flu and covid jabs together and to leave at least 2 weeks between them

[ETHEL103]

Hi the moderna jab also upset my arrythmia 2 days later.Chat with cardio nurse said it was almost certainly the jab .I had successful flutter ablation in May so this was very disappointing.

[Tomred]

maybe its time you looked up the uk gov office of national statistics[ ONS] regarding covid jabs, then make your mind up .

[ferndale28]

no one is suggesting they stop transmission

[Cookie24]

Question: Folks who had afib after jabs - have you all had ablations?

[ferndale28 in reply to Cookie24]

no

[Peacefulneedshelp]

I am surprised they are willing to admit it was from the vaccine.

[Caellie]

Hi Ferndale and Cookie and all,

I received my first Covid vaccine in February 2021 and that is when I first noticed my heart rate being elevated. (Prior to that my heart rate averaged 64.)

It lasted a few hours and then I didn't notice it anymore. ....until the second vaccine about 3 weeks later. My heart started racing and it kept fluctuating up and down - mostly up- throughout the Spring and Summer until someone mentioned that I should get a KardiaMobile. Lo and behold, I was in constant AFIB.

Immunologist said the AFIB was likely due to a surge of epinephrine from the vaccine, Although this is not much acknowledged here in the US.

And yes, I have had 3 cardioversions, and one 5 hour long ablation and am now in Sinus Rhythm. EP just dropped the anti arrhythmic 2 weeks ago, after 8 months on it, and fingers crossed, I remain free of AFIB.

If I choose to have another booster, I have to go on a specific protocol prior to the jab, to prevent the severe reaction. But the thought of it bringing on another bout of AFIB, is daunting.

Good luck with your decisions.

[James11112]

Hi Ferndale. I have an afib episode occasionally and make notes of everything surrounding the episode. I had a number of episodes following AZ vaccination. Several months after I caught Omicron and again had AF episodes. Note that a booster did not have that effect.

[Marsland]

I had the Covid & Flu jab at the same time and had no problems. Mind you I think it’s not the same for everyone. Different strokes for different folks, or should that be triggers!