flu vaccination

FLU VACCINATION

Beverly Hills Cardiology

Why should people get vaccinated against the flu?

Flu Vacination Beverly Hills

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season in Beverly Hills is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. That is why no matter your current health a flu vaccination is always a good idea when entering into flu season.

During a regular fluseason, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older.

The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.

Studies show an increase in rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and death during the annual inﬂuenza season. Acute infections in general have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of AMI in observational epidemiological studies. Scientists say that the flu vaccination may “half the risk of heart attack in middle-aged people with narrowed arteries”.

Who should get vaccinated this season?

Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season

While everyone should get a flu vaccine this season, it’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated. Those people include the following:

People who are at high risk of developing serious complications (like pneumonia) if they get sick with the flu.

People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
Pregnant women.

People younger than 5 years (and especially those younger than 2), and people 65 years and older.

People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications (see list above).

Household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
Household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months old.
Health care personnel.

Where can I get a flu vaccination?

Beverly Hills Cardiology will be offering flu vaccination during this flu season. In the past, supplies have been limited. Make your appointment today for your annual flu shot.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

A flu vaccine is needed every year because flu viruses are constantly changing. It’s not unusual for new flu viruses to appear each year. The flu vaccine is updated annually to keep up with the flu viruses as they change.

Also, multiple studies conducted over different seasons and across vaccine types and influenza virus subtypes have shown that the body’s immunity to influenza viruses (acquired either through natural infection or vaccination) declines over time.

Does flu vaccination work right away?

No. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. That’s why it’s better to get vaccinated early in the fall, before the flu season really gets under way.

Can I get seasonal flu even though I got a flu vaccine this year?

Yes. There is still a possibility you could get the flu even if you got vaccinated. The ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on various factors, including the age and health status of the person being vaccinated, and also the similarity or “match” between the viruses used to make the vaccine and those circulating in the community. If the viruses in the vaccine and the influenza viruses circulating in the community are closely matched, vaccine effectiveness is higher. If they are not closely matched, vaccine effectiveness can be reduced. However, it’s important to remember that even when the viruses are not closely matched, the vaccine can still protect many people and prevent flu-related complications. Such protection is possible because antibodies made in response to the vaccine can provide some protection (called cross-protection) against different but related influenza viruses.

In order to discover more about influenza and whether you should get a flu vaccination please view this PDF by the American Heart Association.

Additionally, to read more information on the positive effects that flu shots can have on you cardiovascular health please read this Fox News article: Flu shot may decrease risk of heart attack and stroke

If you have other symptoms you are worried about concerning your heart or health please visit our conditions page for a complete list.

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