My mother, 92 , is in hospital with this new Flu varient and not expected to survive. I want to visit her today to say goodbye but I am reading that the Flu is potentially dangerous for heart patients.
I have a mix of LAD blockage and microvascular blockage and am on a cocktail of drugs. Does anyone have any information on the risks involved?
I would appreciate any information
I think you may regret not visiting should your mother not survive. So my suggestion is go and visit but make sensible precautions such as those which applied during the pandemic like keeping your distance, handwashing etc and perhaps wear an FFP mask which are far more effective for the wellbeing of the wearer compared to the normal sort.
You should visit your mother, fatality rates from flu aren't particularly high. If you have flu alone then the mortality rate is about 1.8 per 100,000 people. I haven't seen any data on the specific risk for heart patients but there is a parallel "worst case" scenario in that if the flu is accompanied by pneumonia the mortality rate rises to 16.3 people per 100,000.
These figures are for a total population, including younger people. Because younger people suffer far fewer flu deaths this of course distorts the data, but the risks are still low. For example the mortality rate amongst 5-17 years olds is a tiny 0.3 per 100,000 people, where as this rises to 9.1 per 100,000 for 50-64 year olds. Okay, it's a sizeable increase, but the base risk is so very low that I'd suggest it's still manageable.
By the way, if you start feeling any flu symptoms you should contact your GP, there are some very effective anti-viral treatments for flu which will lower your already low risks even more.
Hello 
I am so sorry to hear about your Mother
You could catch this flu just going to the supermarket if someone were to have it stood near you and hopefully you have had your flu jab so with that in mind this is your Mum and as others have said maybe your last chance to say goodbye and all the things you want to tell her which I never had the chance to do with my Mum she went so quick and I always wished I had
Also mentioned wear a mask , talk to the Nurses about your concerns and I am sure taking all these precautions you will be as safe as when you are going about your daily routine
At this very sad time I wish you and your family all the best x
go it’s your Mum and take precautions x
If I had been given the chance I would have never thought twice to say goodbye to my Mum.
I didn't have the choice, you do, so my answer is a simple yes.
You don't say if your mum is conscience or not but even if she isn't it a known fact that the hearing is the last to go, she maybe worried or frightened and missing you.
This is about her and her send off ,
Remember she's your mum and you would not be writing this post without her.
you always do it Blue. What a lovely heart warming reply. Xx
Hi Ealing, I'm 66 with a heart bypass a couple of years ago.
Yes, it is a risk, but so is going to the shops. Take some precautions, but do go. I think you would regret not going more.
Your choice of course, but you could catch the flue at her funeral. I do feel sorry for you having to make this choice, it is of course, up to you.
I think you should visit your mum but take sensible precautions. x
go visit, and wear a mask. I hope she’s ok bless her.👍
just go Ealing. What are you waiting for. Mask up. She’s your dear old Mum .xxx all the best
Thank you everyone for your thoughtful replies. I said goodbye to mum yesterday.
that’s the best message I’ve heard today. I lost my Dad in 1977 . I was living in Italy at the time I just managed to get home before he died. I sat with him until it happened. I adored him and to this day not a week passes without some reminder.
Nothing would have stopped me .. not even Ebola.
Holding g his hand and being there was my greatest comfort and it will be yours too. Xxx
hi Ealing2022 , so sorry about your mum and I really hope you’re doing ok and managed to avoid catching flu
The nurses may allow you to get togged up in their blue paper stuff and gloves and masks. They did that for me when my partner was in ICU and I didn't push for it, as he wasn't compus mentis at the time. But I did get to observe how he was at that time. A month later and he's due out when they have put a care package in place.
Just over a week ago I was in A&E for an ECG and 5 days later was positive for Corvid.im 74yrs and had HA Oct 22 so obviously those around me showed concern but hey Ho I’m coming to the end of the affected side and my heart has stood up well .My best wishes to you and a speedy recovery for your mum .
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