New illness such as the flu and pneumonia can increase your risks when having an anaesthetic or operation. In particular it may make managing your breathing during and after the operation more difficult. It is important to let your anaesthetist know if you have had any recent illnesses. They will be able to assess you and make a decision about whether it is safe to have the procedure, or whether it is safest to delay a little to allow full recovery.
Infective illnesses such as the “flu” will also place other patients at risk, particularly those at the extremes of age, pregnant and those with immunosuppression such as cancer patients.
If you let your team know in advance (via the surgical rooms) they can normally help guide suitability for anaesthesia and surgery.