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Viral infections, including Covid-19, flu and shingles, are linked to heightened heart and stroke risks, according to a large review in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The analysis of 150+ studies found heart attack risk triples after Covid and quadruples after flu; stroke risk rises fivefold in the month after flu. Chronic infections like hepatitis C, HIV and varicella zoster also raise long‑term risk. Researchers cite inflammation and clotting as key drivers. Doctors urge vaccination and attention to modifiable risks, noting traditional factors still dominate overall risk.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.