Physicians Uncover Startling Risks in Ordinary Infections
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
11 sources cited
Overview
Every year, a significant number of Americans are hospitalized due to infectious diseases. Lower respiratory tract infections are the most common reason for hospital admissions, affecting both men and women.
Men are more prone to hospitalization for infections related to the abdomen, bone, and rectum, while women are more likely to be hospitalized for infections affecting the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, kidney, and bladder.
Studies indicate that individuals hospitalized for infectious diseases face an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and mortality in the years following their hospital stay.
Risk of Death From Heart Attacks Increases Threefold
An analysis of data from 1.2 million patients admitted to hospitals for infectious diseases over 14 years revealed concerning trends. Among the 34,027 patients diagnosed with respiratory or urinary tract infections, the risk of heart attack was 40% higher, heart attack-related death was three times more likely, stroke risk was 2½ times higher, and stroke-related death risk was doubled compared to a control group without infections.
Even after adjusting for known factors that contribute to heart attacks and strokes, the link between infections and cardiovascular events remained significant, underscoring the importance of preventing infections to mitigate the risk of severe heart conditions and strokes.
Prevention of Infections is Crucial
Maintaining good health hinges on preventing serious infections. Adopting lifestyle practices like regular handwashing, thorough cooking of meats, consistent physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol consumption, sufficient sleep, eating fruits and vegetables, and stress management can fortify the immune system and reduce infection risk.
Complementing lifestyle changes, incorporating immune-boosting supplements such as vitamins C and D, zinc, magnesium, selenium, glutathione, beta glucan, elderberry, and olive leaf extract can further enhance immune function.
