Flu Infection Linked to Heart Damage

• 12 Feb 2026

In February 2026, researchers revealed how severe influenza infections can damage the heart by carrying the virus from the lungs to cardiac tissue, explaining the rise in heart attacks during flu season.

Key Points

• Immune Cell Mechanism: Scientists found that a type of immune cell called pro-dendritic cell 3 becomes infected in the lungs and travels to the heart, spreading the virus.
• Inflammatory Protein Impact: Instead of eliminating the infection, the immune cell releases high levels of type 1 interferon, which causes death of heart muscle cells and reduces cardiac function.
• Trojan Horse Effect: Researchers described the infected immune cell as acting like a carrier that transports the virus to the heart and worsens complications
• Seasonal Heart Attack Link: The study provides scientific evidence explaining why the risk of heart attacks increases during flu season.
• Vaccination Benefits: Flu vaccines were found to offer some protection against virus-induced heart damage and complications.
• Potential New Treatment: Laboratory experiments showed that an mRNA-based drug controlling inflammatory response may reduce heart muscle damage and improve heart performance.