Flu Shot Decreases Risk of Diabetes, Stroke, Asthma

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns, "Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. In 2009–2010, a new and very different flu virus (called 2009 H1N1) spread worldwide causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years. Flu is unpredictable, but the 2009 H1N1 virus is expected to spread again this upcoming season along with other seasonal flu viruses."

A new study conducted by British researchers found the influenza vaccine reduced by 19% the rate of first heart attack, with even higher risk reductions when individuals receive flu shots early in the fall. No benefit was found in reduction of heart attacks with the pneumococcal vaccine.

"Our findings reinforce current recommendations for annual influenza vaccination of target groups, with a potential added benefit for prevention of acute myocardial infarction in those without established cardiovascular disease," study authors wrote. "This benefit may lead to an increase in suboptimal rates of vaccination, particularly among younger patients."

Researchers have suggested a link between respiratory infections and heart attacks which typically increase in the wintery pneumonia and flu months.  Further research may indicate a need for change in recommended timing guidelines for vaccinations.

Diabetics also are encouraged to get the flu shot as the influenza virus can be very serious with a longer illness, hospitalization and death.  Diabetes can make the immune system more vulnerable to severe cases of influenza and are almost three times more likely to die with the flu or pneumonia.

During flu epidemics, deaths among people with diabetes increase 5-15%.  Diabetic are six times more likely to be hospitalized with flu complications.  Each year as many as 30,000 individuals with diabetes die from influenza complications.

Asthma raises the risk of serious respiratory complications from the flu which can often lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.

It is clear that individuals with any type of immune suppressing condition should be educated regarding health issues which put them at risk for severe complications, including whether or not the suggested treatment is in the best interest of the individual.  Seek counsel from your health care professional regarding your best course of prevention.

Three Actions to Reduce Flu Risk:

    1.  First and foremost, the CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the most important step in preventing flu viruses.  There are many different flu viruses, and the 2010/2011 flu vaccine protects against influenza A H3N2 virus, influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus that was rampant last year. 
    While it is imperative for individuals at high risk of severe flu illness; young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease and those over 65 years old, everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot as soon as it is available.
    Since children under the age of 6 months are at high risk for serious flu illness but too young to be vaccinated, those who care for them should be vaccinated; the same precautions should be taken by health care workers and those who live with or care for high risk individuals to keep from infecting them with the flu.

    2.  If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication, except to get medical care and limit contact with others as much as possible. 
    Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and immediately throw it away.  Wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

    3.  If you get the flu, visit your doctor who will most likely prescribe antiviral drugs which can make illness milder, shorten the duration and prevent serious flu complications.  Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that are different from antibiotics and are not available over the counter.

Flu-like Symptoms:

    *fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and may include vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory symptoms.

Even if you do contract the influenza virus despite vaccination, the vaccine will still help prevent lower respiratory tract involvement or other secondary complications reducing the risk of hospitalization and death.