Flu vaccine may reduce heart attack risk by 26%, journal article authors report Scientific Reports.
Scientists analyzed data from 9,059 patients with an average age of 61. Of these, 4,529 received the flu vaccine and the rest received a placebo. They were followed for an average of nine months. During this period, 86 vaccinated patients and 116 people in the placebo group had heart attacks. Vaccinated people were 26 percent less likely to have a heart attack and 33 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.
Flu infection can cause systemic inflammation, which contributes to the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the arteries. Additionally, the flu can make a person more vulnerable to secondary infections, which will increase inflammation.
The study confirms that seasonal flu vaccines are especially important for people 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. It is also important for them to comply with ARVI prevention measures: washing their hands more often, wearing a protective mask and avoiding close contact with sick people.
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