Study: Flu increases risk of heart attack

It turns out the flu doesn't just make you feel lousy -- it can also increase your risk of having a heart attack.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine finds older patients are six times more likely to have a heart attack the week after being diagnosed with influenza.

Researchers says oxygen levels and blood pressure can drop during the flu, and the changes can lead to an increased risk of blood clots in vessels that serve your heart.

Doctors recommend getting the flu vaccine, washing your hands and staying home if you're sick.