The study confirms: flu shot, saves heart patients, premature death

Since the spread of bird flu and pork a few years ago, millions of people want to be vaccinated against the seasonal flu virus at the beginning of each winter, especially the elderly, but many countries are reluctant to feed themselves for various reasons, including: fear of side effects or lack of needs. .
A Danish study recently found that people with heart failure who get an influenza vaccine can reduce their risk of premature death compared to those who are not.
"More than 134,000 patients with heart failure between 2003 and 2015, half of whom have been in the study for at least 3.7 years," the researchers said.
In general, at least one injection against influenza was associated 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 frequency of annual vaccinations and vaccinations at the beginning of the season was associated with an increased risk of death," said Daniel Moden, who led the study, from Gentvete University Hospital and the 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 notes that annual and ongoing vaccination is important for this group of patients."
An infection such as the flu increases the body's energy demands, forces the heart to pump more blood and failing hearts may not be able to perform the task, increasing the risk of serious complications of the flu, 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 also help people whose immune system is weakened and who can not get vaccinated. .
"The influenza vaccine is needed every year for people over the age of 6. Everyone should do it.Although you're young and healthy, protect those at high risk around you," Schwartz said. who did not participate in the study, by e-mail. Such as: younger children than those who are immunized, those whose immune system is weak and who may not respond well to the vaccine. "