Flu Vaccine Linked to Lower Heart Attack, Stroke Risk
Why this is here: The study found people with proven influenza had six to ten times the base rate of having a heart attack in the following week, highlighting the acute cardiovascular risk associated with the virus.
An annual influenza vaccine may reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by about one-third, according to the Immunisation Advisory Centre. The center states this protection is comparable to the effect of common heart medication.
New evidence since 2003 demonstrates the flu vaccine offers substantial cardiovascular protection. This benefit stems from reducing flu risk and severity, and potentially from broader immune system effects. Flu infection can cause inflammation of the heart and disrupt plaques in blood vessels, leading to heart attack or stroke.
Dr. Philip Shirley notes influenza increases heart attack and stroke rates.
The vaccine also appears to change how the heart responds to stress and inflammation, as shown in studies of patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Regular vaccination may strengthen the immune system, offering broader protection against illness.