Articles
Flu shots: Especially important if you have heart disease
Is it safe to get a flu shot if I have heart disease?
Content
Why are flu shots important for those with heart disease?
Is the flu shot safe if I have heart disease?
When should I get a flu shot?
Do I have to get a flu shot from my cardiologist?
Why are flu shots important for those with heart disease?
If you have heart disease, you're more likely to develop complications from the flu. Complications from the flu include:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Lung failure
- Heart attack
- Death
Having the flu can also make heart failure, diabetes, asthma or other preexisting conditions worse.
Researchers continue to actively study the benefits and risks of yearly flu vaccines among people with heart disease, including heart failure. Some studies have suggested that flu vaccination lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke and death from a cardiovascular event in people who have heart disease. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
