Fight more than influenza: Flu shots can lower your risk for other health problems, says new research from the University of Toronto.
In the study, people with a history of ticker troubles who received a flu shot had a 36 percent reduced risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related disease compared to those who didn’t get the vaccine. What’s more, people who recently suffered a heart attack were 55 percent less likely to have another cardiac-caused complication if they got the vaccination.
Why? Inflammation caused by the flu could loosen the material on the inside of your arteries, causing the buildup to block or clot the passages, says study author Jacob Udell, M.D. Also, flu side effects like coughing or low blood pressure could strain your heart, increasing your risk of cardiovascular issues—no matter your family history of heart disease.
Talk to your doctor or employer about flu vaccine discounts, or hit your local pharmacy for an inexpensive shot. Not sure which method is right for you? Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s website to learn more about this season’s strain.
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