2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu: Interim Guidance for Adults with Cardiovascular Disease*

The information below is important for people with cardiovascular disease.*

• Maintain a 2-week supply of your regular medications.
• Do not stop taking your regular medications without first consulting your health care provider, especially if you get the flu or a respiratory infection.
• People with heart failure should be alert to changes in their breathing and should promptly report changes to their health care provider.
• It is especially important to wash your hands often with soap and water and follow other everyday hygienic actions to prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.
• If you have symptoms of the flu (i.e., fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue) and you have heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular disease, promptly contact your health care provider to see if you need antiviral medication.  Influenza antiviral medications can reduce the severity and duration of influenza illness and can reduce the risk of influenza-related complications.  Information on antiviral medication recommendations is available at "Updated Interim Recommendations for the Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season".

*Cardiovascular disease includes but is not limited to heart failure, angina, peripheral vascular disease, atrial fibrillation or other heart rhythm abnormalities, stroke, and heart attack, and adults with congenital heart disease.

• For general information on 2009 H1N1 flu
• For information on 2009 H1N1 vaccine
• For information on seasonal flu
• Hand Washing Guide