Did you get your Flu shot? Your chances for a heart attack just dropped

The fall brings with it the chill wind, autumn foliage, bird migration – and also the Flu.

Influenza (the Flu) is a contagious viral disease that attacks your respiratory system – the nose, throat  and lungs. In most cases it is mild, but in severe case it can lead to complications such as pneumonia and may even become lethal. People over 65, and those who suffer from diabetes, asthma or heart disease are at higher risk of developing complications of the flu.  Each year, 20% to 30% of children are infected with the Flu as well as 5% to 10% of adults. As winter draws closer, we recommend getting a seasonal Flu vaccine, preferably in October and November and until the end of the Flu season around March.

Every year we deliberate whether or not to take the vaccine. After all, it involves going to the doctor’s, waiting, getting a pin prick and experiencing the occasional side effects. The doctor unequivocally recommends taking the vaccine to prevent risks and complications accompanying the Flu, but there happens to be another reason: your heart health.

Flu vaccine and heart health

What is the connection between flu vaccinations and heart health?

A comprehensive study conducted in 2013 randomized 6735 patients to either receive the flu shot or a placebo, and then followed them for evidence of cardiovascular disease. The study indicated that the Flu vaccine reduced the risk for a heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other cardiac episodes by approximately 36% in the year following vaccination. In addition, the vaccination reduced the risk for recurring events in patients who underwent a heart attack before taking the vaccine, at an even higher rate.

What causes this? One explanation offered by researchers is that a person suffering from the flu develops a significant immune reaction, leading to a high level of inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a major factor in the development of coronary artier disease, and may lead to instability of plaque. If a plaque ruptures, the blood vessel may become blocked, leading to a heart attack or a stroke.

We still don’t have enough data to recommend the flu shot as a means of reducing heart disease-we definitely need more studies, especially in populations at low risk.  But if you or someone you know is at increased risk of heart disease, the flu shot is highly advisable.

Who should take the vaccine?

We are certain you reached a decision to take the vaccination – so here are a few interesting facts that you should to know:

1. Vaccines offer good protection against the flu for one winter only.
2. Every autumn, a new vaccination is assembled containing the three flu strains expected to be most prevalent in the coming year.
3. It is recommended to inoculate everyone over the age of 6 months.
4. The recommendation to take the vaccine especially concerns those who are at increased risk of complications from the flu or those who may infect people at high risk, including individuals who are immunologically compromised, pregnant women, children aged six months to five years, adults over 50, patients with various cardiac and pulmonary diseases, diabetics and caretakers of young children.
5. There are two types of Flu vaccines. (a) One that contains an inactivated (killed) virus, administered by injection and (b) One that uses a live and weakened form of the virus, administered via spraying instead of injection. This live-virus vaccine should not be administered to toddlers up to two years of age, pregnant women, people with a weakened immune system and adults over 49.

So this year, when you get your flu shot, your heart will thank you too.