Flu vaccine for heart patients and diabetics particularly important

People with cardiovascular disease should be vaccinated against the flu

Shortly before the start of the flu season 2018/2019 health experts point out that people with certain pre-existing conditions are considered to be particularly at risk of influenza. These groups should therefore be vaccinated against flu in the fall.

Protect from a flu infection

The real flu is not a simple cold, but can be particularly dangerous for patients with pre-existing conditions. In order to protect yourself from a flu infection, it is basically useful to strengthen the immune system, keep away from patients and regularly wash their hands. In addition, you can get vaccinated against flu. The German Heart Foundation explains why this is particularly important for cardiac patients.

In people with pre-existing conditions, flu infections can be particularly difficult. Health experts advise people affected to be vaccinated against influenza. (Image: Adam Gregor / fotolia.com)

Can end in the worst case deadly

As the experts write in a communication, people with pre-existing conditions are at an increased risk of suffering from serious illness or sequelae - in the worst case this can be fatal.

"Patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases are considered at risk of influenza, especially people with heart failure," says Prof. Dr. med. med. Thomas Meinertz, heart specialist of the German Heart Foundation.

After the unusually heavy flu epidemic last winter, the experts advise cardiac patients therefore to take advantage of the possibility of flu vaccine.

Who should get vaccinated

Everyone can use the possibility of flu vaccination. It is recommended especially for the following groups of people:

• Older people over the age of 60
• People with an increased health risk due to an underlying disease, such as chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, liver or kidney disease, diabetes
• pregnant women
• Medical staff and caregivers of high-risk patients
• Employees in high-traffic facilities.

Because influenza viruses are constantly changing, the vaccine needs to be readjusted each year.

The above groups should therefore be vaccinated annually before the start of the flu season. According to the experts, the best time to do so is October or November.

Those who miss the vaccination in the fall, however, can catch up even after the onset of the flu epidemic in December or January.

No one hundred percent protection

However, the German Heart Foundation points out that no vaccine can provide 100% protection.

The currently available quadruple vaccine protects against the most common virus strains.

Nevertheless, it can come despite influenza vaccination to a disease, for example, if the vaccine protection is not fully developed or change viruses.

Anyone who develops symptoms such as high fever, chills or headache and body aches should therefore go to the doctor early for treatment.

As a rule, the seasonal flu shot is well tolerated. Occasionally it comes to tiredness, slight head or body pain or to a reddening of the puncture site. Compared to the possible consequences of a disease, these symptoms are harmless.

From 60 years also vaccinate against pneumococci

Influenza can also cause pneumococcal infection. Among other things, the bacteria can cause middle ear and meningitis or blood poisoning.

Older people over the age of 60 years will therefore be advised in addition to the pneumococcal vaccine. (Ad)