The importance of flu vaccination for people with heart failure



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COPENHAGEN – People with heart failure who receive an influenza vaccine are less likely to die prematurely than those who have not. The researchers followed more than 134,000 patients with heart failure between 2003 and 2015, with half of the patients remaining at least 3.7 years of study. In general, at least one injection against influenza was badociated with an 18% reduction in the risk of sudden death from all causes, particularly as a result of cardiovascular problems.
"We also found that the annual frequency of immunizations and vaccination at the beginning of the season were badociated with an increased risk of death," said Daniel Maudin, head of the study, Gentvete University Hospital and the University of Ottawa. 39, University of Copenhagen.
"We already know that influenza vaccination benefits people in general, but our study confirms the importance of influenza vaccination in heart failure patients and also suggests that an annual and ongoing vaccination is important for this group of patients." patients. "
An infection such as the flu increases the energy demand of the body and forces the heart to pump more blood. Heart failure may not be able to perform this task, increasing the risk of serious complications such as pneumonia.
Dr. Kevin Schwartz of the Ontario Institute of Public Health said that people without heart failure should also be vaccinated because not only do they help protect themselves, but they also help people whose immune system is weakened and who can not get vaccinated. "The flu shot is needed every year for people over six months old," said Schwartz, who did not participate in the study.
"Everyone should get the influenza vaccine, even if you're young and healthy, to protect high-risk people around you, such as younger children than those vaccinated, those with weakened immune systems, and may not respond well to the vaccine. "

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