The flu doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Maybe people are just used to it, or many who have had it can deal with its symptoms.
But the flu is a killer.
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Experts warn that this year may be extraordinarily dangerous. After many people stayed indoors last flu season to protect themselves from COVID-19, re-entering the world may come with an onslaught of new flu cases. A year off of immunity might come back with a vengeance.
Of course, some groups are more vulnerable. People 65 and older are at higher risk, but they are also far more likely to get vaccinated. Vaccination rates for that demographic are around 80%.
People with heart disease, however, are at high risk for the flu as well. Not only are they at higher risk for serious complications from a flu infection, but they are also likely to experience a significant cardiovascular event because of the flu.
The problem is that this high-risk group is also highly unlikely to be vaccinated if they are under 65.
A recent review has shown that:
- Cardiovascular deaths and influenzas tend to spike around the same time every year.
- Patients are six times more likely to experience a heart attack the week after flu infections than at any other point during the year.
- Multiple studies showed that flu cases resulting in hospitalization led to roughly 12% of patients suffering a severe cardiac event.
The reason likely has to do with an overtaxed immune system that boosts inflammation and puts increased stress on the heart.
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But the review also found a silver lining – flu vaccinations offer major protection against both severe flu outcomes and cardiovascular events, reducing the risk substantially.
In particular, they found that vaccinated individuals with CVD were 37 percent less likely to be hospitalized for the flu and 82 percent less likely to be admitted to the ICU, indicating that the flu did not pose an immediate life threat.
Your heart condition matters when it comes to flu risk. If you’ve got CVD or CVD risk factors, be sure to get a flu vaccine, which is currently available at pharmacies and doctors’ offices.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
