People with heart and circulatory conditions at higher risk of dying from flu – British Heart Foundation

11 December 2020 Aaron McDonald

Category: BHF Comment

People living with heart and circulatory conditions, such as chronic heart disease, angina, or people who have had a stroke, are 11 times more likely to die of the flu.

This comes after latest analysis from Public Health England (PHE) has shown that six in ten deaths from flu are seen in people with underlying conditions.

As winter approaches, we are encouraging all people with heart and circulatory conditions to get the flu jab to avoid the risk of falling seriously unwell.

Barbara Kobson, our Senior Cardiac Nurse, said: With the COVID-19 pandemic still looming, getting your flu jab is as vital as ever, especially if you have a heart and circulatory condition or are older. It only takes five minutes and reduces your chances of catching flu, which can exacerbate conditions such as coronary heart disease and heart failure. Getting the jab will mean youre also supporting the NHS as it may stop you becoming ill and needing treatment at a time when hospitals are under immense pressure from a potential winter rise in COVID-19 cases.

According to PHE, 46.8% of people under the age of 65 with a long term health condition have had the flu vaccine so far this year.

People aged six months to 65 years with one or more long term health conditions, pregnant women and those aged 65 years and over are at a greater clinical risk from flu. All these groups are eligible for a free vaccine, which is the best defence against flu. From 1 December, 50 to 64-year-olds also became eligible for the first time.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, Head of Flu at Public Health England said: The flu vaccine is the best defence against what can be a serious illness, especially for those living with long-term health conditions, such as respiratory diseases, diabetes and liver disease.

People living with long-term health conditions are also at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and having both flu and COVID-19 at the same time is associated with a greater risk of more severe illness and death. Therefore, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated against flu.

Why is the flu jab important?

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People with heart and circulatory conditions at higher risk of dying from flu - British Heart Foundation