The flu vaccine, which is generally thought by the public to protect only against respiratory infections, actually has a significant protective effect on heart and vascular health as well. Scientific research conducted in recent years has shown that the flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and sudden cardiac death.

As the weather turns colder and flu cases show a marked increase, it becomes particularly important for people with chronic conditions not to neglect the flu jab. Dr. Ercan Türk, a cardiologist at Medline Adana Hospital, provided key information, stating that the flu jab is one of the easy, safe and effective ways to protect heart health.

The flu can affect the heart and blood vessels

The flu is a serious infection characterised by high fever, muscle aches, fatigue and breathing difficulties. While healthy individuals usually recover within a few days, it can lead to more severe consequences in people with heart conditions. The inflammation caused by the flu virus in the body can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels and the formation of blood clots, thereby increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, the increased oxygen demand and the strain on the heart during the infection can trigger a heart attack, particularly in patients with coronary artery disease. Fever and fluid loss, meanwhile, can lead to arrhythmias.

The flu vaccine is important for heart health

The primary aim of the flu vaccine is to prepare the body to defend itself against the flu virus. However, research has shown that this vaccine also has a protective effect on the heart and circulatory system. By preventing flu-related inflammation, the vaccine reduces the formation of blood clots within the blood vessels and alleviates the strain on the heart. The benefits of the flu vaccine are not limited to those with existing heart conditions; it also plays a protective role in individuals at risk of heart disease. This is because the inflammation that occurs in the blood vessel walls during a flu infection can accelerate the process of atherosclerosis. The vaccine eliminates this risk, thereby protecting vascular health.

It has been used safely for a long time

The flu vaccine has been administered safely for many years and carries a very low risk of serious side effects. The most common side effects are mild pain or redness at the injection site, or short-term fatigue. A mild fever or muscle aches may occur after vaccination. However, these symptoms usually subside on their own within 1-2 days. Although some people avoid the flu vaccine because they believe it ‘causes illness’, the flu vaccine does not contain live virus and therefore does not cause the flu. On the contrary, it strengthens the immune system and protects the body against the illness.

Timing is important

The flu virus usually spreads during the autumn and winter months. Therefore, it is recommended that the vaccine be administered every year between September and November. The vaccine’s protection lasts for approximately 6–12 months. As virus strains change every year, the composition of the flu vaccine is updated accordingly. For this reason, you should get vaccinated every year, even if you had the jab last year.

Who should have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is particularly important for people in high-risk groups. Therefore, it is recommended that the following groups get vaccinated every year during the autumn:

• People with heart and circulatory conditions
• People aged 65 and over
• People with chronic lung, kidney or diabetes conditions
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems
• Healthcare workers and people working in public spaces