People with heart failure have a lower risk of dying from their disease if they are vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia.
Getting vaccinated protects against infection, but it can also preserve the body. Researchers confirmed this at the congress of the European Society of Cardiology. They note that people suffering from heart failure have every interest in getting vaccinated. As the flu or pneumonia can aggravate the pathology, contracting these diseases increases the risk of death. Heart failure is caused by a failure of the heart pump: it can no longer provide enough blood flow to meet the body’s needs. In France, a million people suffer from it.
Lower death rates
The study was carried out using data from nearly three million patients, hospitalized between 2010 and 2014. All suffered from heart failure. Of the entire sample, 1.4% of patients were vaccinated against influenza and 1.4% against pneumonia. “The in-hospital death rate was significantly lower for flu-vaccinated patients”, says the study. It was 1.3%, compared to 3.6% for unvaccinated people. The finding was identical for the vaccine against pneumonia: the death rate in hospital was 1.2% for those vaccinated against 3.6% for the others.
Improve vaccination coverage
“Pneumonia and flu vaccines are vital to prevent respiratory infections and protect heart failure patientssays Dr. Karthik Gonuguntla, the author of this study. Although many people refused vaccines before Covid-19, I am optimistic that the pandemic has changed perceptions about the role of immunization in preserving our health..” According to him, there is still a long way to go before reaching 100% vaccination coverage in patients with heart failure, but this study could help improve it. “Side effects from flu and pneumonia vaccines are very rare, appear within hours and can be treated effectively.” he recalls. Vaccination against pneumonia is compulsory for babies born after 2018 and recommended for those over two years old and adults at risk: heart failure, heart patients, diabetics, immunocompromised people, etc. However, the flu vaccine is not mandatory.
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