Flu shot halves risk of heart attack or stroke in people with history of heart attack

The flu vaccine may not only ward off serious complications from influenza, it may also reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by more than 50 per cent among those who have had a heart attack, according to new research led by Dr. Jacob Udell, a cardiologist at Women's College Hospital and clinician-scientist at the University of Toronto. What's more, the vaccine's heart protective effects may be even greater among those who receive a more potent vaccine. "Our study provides solid evidence that the flu shot helps prevent heart disease in vulnerable patients - with the best protection in the highest risk patients," Dr. Udell said. "These findings are extraordinary given the potential for this vaccine to serve as yearly preventative therapy for patients with heart disease, the leading cause of death among men and women in North America." Published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study reviewed six clinical trials on heart health in people who received the flu vaccine. The studies included more than 6,700 patients with a history of heart disease

Influenza Immunization Program to begin Monday, October 21, 2013 - Saskatoon

All ages benefit from annual influenza vaccine but it is important those considered at high risk be immunized.

People at high risk of complications or hospitalization:

* People 65 years of age or older
* Pregnant women in all trimesters
* Children 6 months up to and including 59 months of age (younger than 5 years old)
* People who are severely obese
* People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
* Anyone with chronic health conditions

Household and close contacts:

* Of any of the categories listed above
* Of infants less than 6 months of age
* Households expecting a newborn before March 31, 2013

Other groups:

* Healthcare providers, students and registered volunteers
* Physicians and medical office staff
* People providing regular child care to children less than 5 years of age, whether in or out of the home
* People employed in the poultry and hog industry

(Phone 306-655-7500 for more details, or ask your health professional)

Flu shots may cut risk of heart attacks

The annual flu shot is a notoriously tough sell, but what if the shots prevented heart attacks, too? New Canadian research suggests that the influenza vaccine significantly lowers the risk of heart attack, strokes and dying from heart disease. Toronto researchers who searched the medical literature back to the 1960s found that flu shots are associated with about a 50-per cent reduction in the risk of having a major cardiovascular "event" in the year following vaccination, for people with and without known coronary artery disease. "It's a pretty profound finding," said Dr. Jacob Udell, a cardiologist and clinician scientist at Toronto's Women's College Hospital and the University of Toronto. Udell was scheduled to present his team's findings at the 2012 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress meeting in Toronto

Influenza immunization clinics will begin on October 9, 2012 (Saskatoon)

All ages benefit from annual influenza vaccine but it is important those considered at high risk be immunized

People at high risk of complications or hospitalization:

* People 65 years of age or older (or turn 65 prior to March 31, 2013)
* Pregnant women in all trimesters
* Children 6 months up to and including 59 months of age (younger than 5 years old)
* People who are severely obese
* People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
* Anyone with chronic health conditions

Household and close contacts:

* Of any of the categories listed above
* Of infants less than 6 months of age
* Households expecting a newborn before March 31, 2013

Other groups:

* Healthcare providers, students and registered volunteers
* Physicians and medical office staff
* People providing regular child care to children less than 5 years of age, whether in or out of the home
* People employed in the poultry and hog industry

If you have any questions, contact the Saskatoon Health Region at 655-4620

Seasonal Influenza Immunization begins on October 11, 2011

Vaccine is available for everyone this Year. All ages benefit from annual influenza vaccine but it is important those considered at high risk be immunized

People at high risk of complications or hospitalization:

* People 65 years of age or older (or turn 65 prior to March 31, 2012)
* Pregnant women
* Children 6 months to 4 years of age
* People who are severely obese
* People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
* Anyone with chronic health conditions

Household and close contacts:

* Of any of the categories listed above
* Of infants less than 6 months of age
* Households expecting a newborn before March 31, 2012

Other groups:

* Healthcare providers, health care students and registered volunteers
* Physicians and medical office staff
* People providing regular child care to children less than 5 years of age
* People employed in the poultry and hog industry

If you have any questions, contact the Saskatoon Health Region at 655-4620

Saskatoon Health Region's seasonal influenza vaccine clinics begin October 12, 2010

Saskatoon Health Region's seasonal influenza vaccine clinics begin October 12, 2010. Tour the clinic site at Prairieland Park. Seasonal influenza vaccine includes protection against H1N1 as well as two other viruses circulating through the world this year. There is no cost for the 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine

U.K. research suggests flu vaccine lowers risk of heart attack

"Canadians with serious heart conditions should line up for the flu vaccine as soon as they can this year - getting the shot, and getting it earlier, could significantly lower the risk of heart attack, a new British study suggests. Previous research has shown that heart attacks increase dramatically in winter when patients often develop pneumonia or the flu, and scientists say there may be a link between respiratory infections and heart attacks. A study of more than 78,700 patients, who were at least 40 years old and living in England and Wales, suggest that flu vaccinations are connected to a reduced risk of heart attack. And the earlier people got the shot, the better, although even those whose vaccination was delayed saw a benefit. Receiving a flu shot between September and mid-November was associated with a 21 per cent decrease in the rate of heart attacks compared with later vaccination, which was linked to a 12 per cent reduction, said Niroshan Siriwardena, lead investigator and a University of Lincoln professor"

Seasonal influenza season is here (Saskatoon Health Region)

Seasonal influenza vaccine is available to everyone beginning October 12, 2010 until March 31, 2011. All ages benefit from annual influenza vaccine but it is important those considered at high risk be immunized.

People at high risk of complications or hospitalization:

* People 65 years of age or older (or turn 65 prior to March 31, 2011)
* Pregnant women
* Children 6 months to 4 years of age
* People who are severely obese
* People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
* Anyone with chronic health conditions such as:

-- chronic heart or lung disorders (including cystic fibrosis and asthma);
-- diabetes;
-- cancer, immunodeficiency, immunosuppression (due to underlying disease and/or therapy);
-- renal disease;
-- anemia or hemoglobinopathy;
-- conditions with an increased risk of aspiration (muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or acquired brain injury);
-- children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid;

Household and close contacts:

* Of any of the categories listed above,
* Of infants less than 6 months of age,
* Households expecting a newborn before March 31, 2011

Other groups:

* Healthcare providers, health care students and registered volunteers
* Physicians and medical office staff
* People providing regular child care to children less than 5 years of age
* People employed in the poultry and hog industry

Study: Flu viruses can spark heart attacks

"Heart patients who catch the flu may have more to worry about than just a fever or the sniffles: the virus could also spark a heart attack, new research shows. Amid the global outbreak of swine flu, experts say it's crucial that heart patients get vaccinated against both regular flu and swine flu to avoid medical problems. Doctors said swine flu isn't any more dangerous than regular flu, but it's important for heart patients to get vaccinated because more flu viruses will be circulating this year. British researchers analyzed 39 previous studies of heart patients and found a consistent link between flu and heart attacks. Up to half of all unexpected flu deaths were due to heart disease, the researchers found. The study was published online Tuesday in the British medical journal, The Lancet Infectious Diseases."

FightFlu.ca

FightFlu.ca is your one-stop access to on-line information and resources about H1N1 flu virus, from the Public Health Agency of Canada in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments.

Influenza vaccine - Saskatoon Health Region

Influenza vaccine is available free of charge to people in high risk categories through Saskatoon Public Health Services. The 3-week immunization blitz will commence October 13 and run until October 30, 2009. Influenza vaccine will be available for sale to people who are not in a risk category

GPs under winter illness pressure (UK)

"GPs in England have been inundated with patients over the festive period, figures from the NHS Alliance suggest. On average there has been a 25% rise in demand for GP out-of-hour services across England with some areas seeing much higher rates. Many of the calls are about flu and latest surveillance figures show levels remain higher than in recent years. GPs urged patients to stock up on cold and flu remedies and get advice from the pharmacist if needed. The vast majority of people with colds and flu just need to take paracetamol for pain and fever, have lots of drinks and rest." But those with existing heart and chest conditions are more vulnerable to complications and should call for advice if their symptoms are lingering or getting worse

National Influenza Vaccination Week (USA)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week of December 8-14, 2008, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November, December and beyond. This year, Tuesday, December 9th, is designated as Children's Vaccination Day. Thursday, December 11th, is designated as Seniors' vaccination Day, and Friday, December 12th, will focus on vaccination of health care workers. Please help emphasize the importance of vaccinating these special populations with awareness activities

Flu Shot Facts

Dr. Lisa Owens, Medical Director, Brigham and Women's Hospital Primary Physicians, discusses the flu and the importance of getting your flu shot

Little known symptoms could lead to heart attack

"When you feel nauseous and weak, lose your appetite and cough a lot, you might think you have the flu. But it could also be the sign of a heart attack. Cardiologists want you to know that flu-like symptoms can be early warning signs of a heart attack. Pressure and discomfort in the middle of your chest are the traditional symptoms. These other not-so traditional signs make a diagnosis harder. Doctor Sally Beer says women can experience more subtle heart attack symptoms than men. 'Women tend to complain of more shortness of breath. They may have more pain in their back when they exert themselves. They may just have nausea,' said Beer. Regardless of the symptoms, seeking immediate treatment is the key to surviving a heart attack" - WNCT

Flu shots lower risk of blood clots

"People who get their annual flu shot may reap an extra benefit: a reduction in their risk of developing a blood clot. The benefit appeared stronger in those under the age of 52, according to research that was presented Sunday at the American Heart Association's annual scientific sessions, in New Orleans. The findings, the first to demonstrate such an effect, may help explain why the flu shot lessens the risk of cardiovascular events in people with coronary artery disease, but the real current value of the data may lie in it convincing more people to get their annual shot" - HealthDay

Influenza Program 2008

Saskatoon Health Region invites residents in Saskatoon and surrounding rural areas who are in the following groups to attend its free Influenza (Flu) Clinics, October 14-31, 2008:

* Adults 65 years or older
* Children and adults with chronic lung, heart and kidney conditions, cancer, diabetes and immune disorders
* Children and adolescents receiving long-term A.S.A.
* Healthy children ages 6 to 23 months
* Pregnant women

Starting October 27, 2008, vaccine is available for purchase to people who do not qualify for free vaccine