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Flu Shots and Heart Disease

Vaccines are a modern miracle that have saved millions of lives. Thanks to modern science and research, we have vaccines for dozens of deadly illnesses, including mumps, measles, chicken pox and so many more. While we take most of our immunizations in childhood and get boosters in adulthood, there is one very important vaccine that we should get every year: the flu shot. Like all medications, the flu shot has potential side effects and there are certain populations that shouldn’t get it. Here is some valuable information on the flu shot and how it affects people with heart disease.

Should people with heart disease get the flu shot?

Yes, patients with heart disease should absolutely get the flu shot. In fact, it’s even more critical for heart disease patients than it is for the general population. People who suffer from heart disease are more likely to develop complications from the flu. Those complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, lung failure, heart attack, and even death. The flu can also exacerbate the symptoms of heart disease and make you feel worse. 

The Flu Shot is Safe For Heart Disease Patients

It is often necessary for people with certain conditions to refrain from vaccines. So, it makes sense to question the safety of vaccines for people with heart disease. But the truth is that the flu shot is safe for most heart disease patients. If you have doubts about your eligibility, talk to your doctor. 

The flu shot is the recommended method of delivery for heart disease patients. Your cardiologist or other medical professionals such as a general practitioners can also administer your flu shot. It may be a good idea to get your shot from your cardiologist if you have doubts about whether the vaccine is safe for you. Medical professionals don’t recommend that heart disease patients take the nasal spray flu vaccine because it is made with a live virus. 

What About COVID-19?

Vaccines are highly recommended for heart disease patients every year, but it is especially important this year as we navigate COVID-19. These two diseases are spreading in the population at the same time. Although they are different illnesses, they have similar symptoms that damage the respiratory system, and it is possible to get both of them. Contracting only one of these illnesses could be catastrophic for a heart disease patient, but contracting both could be even more deadly. That’s why it’s more important than ever to get the flu shot. It’s one less illness you are susceptible to this season.  

Brookhaven Heart Can Administer Your Flu Shot

We know that heart patients have special needs and considerations. We can address your medical history and specific concerns before any medical procedure. At Brookhaven Heart, we get to know you and your heart condition so we can help you make the best decisions about your health. We can even carry out many of those procedures right here in our office so that we can monitor your heart condition the whole time. We even offer consulting services to help you make decisions related to your health and your heart disease. If you’re ready for a true partner in your heart care, give us a call today.

Welcome to Brookhaven Heart

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