The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It is a type of respiratory infection. Another name for the flu is influenza. It's caused by a virus. It spreads easily. That means it's contagious.

If you have heart disease, take steps to protect yourself against the flu. Complications from the flu are more likely in people with heart disease.

You can reduce your risk of flu and its complications by getting a yearly flu vaccine. Healthcare professionals have long recommended the vaccine for older adults and other people at high-risk, including those with heart disease.