Around 1919, the phrase "the old one-two" first appeared when sportswriters described a left-right combo that landed a boxer flat on his back.

It's just as appropriate today when using the phrase to describe what can happen if you come down with the flu.

This is an especially flu-heavy year. As of February 2, 42 states plus the District of Columbia report what's called "high activity," meaning people everywhere are coming down with influenza.

And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's hit the 65-and-over age group hardest.

So what is punch No. 2? If you're sick enough with the flu to see a doctor, you're also at increased risk for a heart attack.

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that during the first seven days of diagnosis with laboratory-confirmed influenza, the risk of heart attack skyrockets six times for people 35 and older.

The good news? After eight days, the increased risk disappears completely.

Here are couple of tips for better flu survival:

• If you are hit with the flu, see if there's a doctor using telemedicine in your area; you don't have to schlep to an office, exposing others and wearing yourself out.

• If you have the flu and experience shortness of breath, chest, neck, jaw or arm pain, nausea and/or severe abdominal pressure, don't ignore the symptoms or assume they're from the flu. Call 911 to protect yourself from the one-two punch of flu and heart attack.