It’s quite rare, but yes a viral infection can cause heart failure. A heart failure that is triggered by infection cardiomyopathy. This is a chance disease that is developed due to a routine cold or viral fever. If you are at risk of heart failure and are suffering from a cold/fever you should visit the doctor immediately. The doctor will perform an X-Ray to check if your lungs are filled with fluid or if your heart is larger than normal size. If your lungs are filled with fluid and your heart enlarged then you will require immediate hospitalization because you’re at risk of a heart attack.