Due to the greater susceptibility of individuals with hypertension to complications from common colds and flu, Dr Sara underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in case of flu-like symptoms. “In the long term, hypertension will affect the wall of the blood vessels and it can lead to complications in different organs. It makes it a challenge for the immune system to fight and kill viruses. So, people with hypertension, especially those who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, are at high risk of getting complications and severe respiratory infections compared to those with normal blood pressure,” says Dr Sara.