Report: Flu Shots May Help Protect You From Heart Attack
The U.Va. Health System has an interesting note out: a flu shot may have a preventive role in warding off heart attacks.
It cites an omnibus study of 39 studies conducted since 1932 that found a higher rate of deaths due to heart disease and heart attacks during flu season. “Researchers suspect that flu may cause a strong inflammatory response in some people that can trigger events such as a heart attack,” according to the note. “This may be particularly true for people with chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.”
Thus, preventing the flu may prevent such inflammation.
Monday’s UVA Today will feature an update on the H1N1 pandemic. While new cases have fallen off dramatically, officials remain wary of a resurgence and are still pushing flu shots. The University hopes it will soon have enough vaccine to conduct clinics for faculty and staff.
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brian | December 11, 2009 @ 7:42 pm
Your body still has an inflammatory response when receiving a flu shot.
From the CDC’s Website: http://www.cdc.gov/Flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
Some minor side effects that could occur are:
* Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
* Fever (low grade)
* Aches
If that isn’t inflammation, what is it?
There is no specific study that says the flu shot reduces heart attacks.
Very poor writing, and a very poor conclusion.