October 26, 2012
Heart patients should get annual flu jab
The flu jab could help ward off heart attacks and strokes,
according to new findings from Canada.
Researchers found an influenza vaccination reduced risk of a
major cardiac event by 50 per cent and cardiac deaths by
40 per cent, compared with a placebo. The results of the study also
showed a flu jab had a beneficial impact in people with or without
heart disease.
Ellen Mason, our Senior Cardiac Nurse, said:
“It’s still unclear exactly why the flu jab may hold extra
heart health benefits. What is crystal clear is that the
vaccine is hugely important to many people, including those with
heart disease.
“Flu can make people with chronic heart disease very ill so that group of
patients should always take advantage of their eligibility for an
annual flu jab. It’s also a good idea to avoid
close contact with friends or relatives who already have the
virus.
“If you are heart patient and do come down
with the flu badly, it’s very important you speak to your
doctor straight away."
The findings were presented at the 2012
Canadian Cardiovascular Congress.