Influenza virus increases cardiovascular risk 10 times! Medical warning: Taking special medicine is not enough unless you do one thing
Is influenza infection related to cardiovascular disease? Having no medical history also increases the risk by 8-10 times
The flu is coming, beware of cardiovascular disease approaching quietly! Dr. Li Bingying, Honorary Chairman of the Taiwan Vaccine Promotion Association, pointed out that in recent years, the international community has successively discovered the potential relationship between severe influenza and cardiovascular disease. Influenza may not only worsen existing cardiovascular disease, but research also shows that even if there is no history of cardiovascular disease in the past, it may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. 8-10 times the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Li Bingying specially reminded that once young adults are repeatedly infected with influenza, they may face a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases in the future, so it is important to prevent influenza from a young age. This year’s publicly funded influenza vaccine was officially launched on October 1, and the five major brands this time are all quadrivalent vaccines. Influenza vaccination can not only effectively reduce the risk of infection and severe disease, but is also expected to protect cardiovascular and promote cardiovascular health.
According to a study of patients with myocardial infarction, the risk of myocardial infarction or stent embolism was reduced by 28% and mortality was reduced by 41% one year after receiving the influenza vaccine. In addition to encouraging high-risk groups for influenza who are eligible for vaccination to actively vaccinate, Dr. Li Bingying also called on people aged 19-49 who are not publicly funded groups with young children and elders at home to take active precautions, stay away from the risk of infection in family groups, and build a strong line of defense for the autumn and winter seasons.
Cardiovascular risk triples 2 weeks after infection! Repeated influenza infection may lead to future risks
Influenza not only affects the respiratory tract, but may also pose a threat to general health, and even lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and myocarditis. In particular, influenza may directly affect heart function and further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have pointed out that the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction will more than double within 14 days of influenza infection among those over 50 years old. In addition, repeated influenza infection will also repeatedly damage cardiovascular health.
Dr. Li Bingying pointed out that influenza can cause a systemic inflammatory reaction, which is an important cause of damage to the vascular endothelium and arteriosclerosis. “Arteriosclerosis is cumulative. If you are repeatedly infected with influenza at a young age, the blood vessels will continue to be inflamed, which may lead to the risk of germs.” Lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in the future!" However, it has been observed that many young adults tend to underestimate the seriousness of influenza, and even think that since there are effective drugs, there is no need to get vaccinated.
Severe influenza is often accompanied by serious bacterial infections. Anti-influenza drugs and antibiotics are more effective when used in the early stages of infection. However, influenza viruses and bacteria will continue to damage the respiratory tract and even cause serious complications. Therefore, the benefits of vaccines are still far greater than treatment. Dr. Li Bingying reminded that although young adults do not belong to the publicly funded vaccination group, once they are infected with influenza, their ability to work may still be affected, and the impact on society and the economy cannot be underestimated.
What types of flu vaccines are available? “This dosage form” is particularly suitable for the elderly
Dr. Li Bingying said that this year’s quadrivalent influenza vaccine has included the new H3N2 Thai strain. Although young adults generally have good immunity, the influenza virus strains that circulate every year are different. Regular vaccination can ensure that the immune system remains in optimal condition. As the flu heats up, the vaccine not only significantly reduces the risk of severe infection but also protects cardiovascular health and should be received regularly regardless of age or health status.
Currently, the types of influenza vaccines available for administration in Taiwan can be mainly divided into egg type, cell type, and adjuvant type. The most commonly used vaccine is the egg type, with a seroconversion rate of approximately 64.1-66.43%. The cell type is produced using cell culture technology. The adjuvant type vaccine enhances the immune response by adding adjuvants and is particularly suitable for the elderly. Dr. Li Bingying emphasized that no matter which vaccine is effective against influenza, the public can take it with confidence.
Is Taiwan moving towards “year-round influenza”? Doctors: Post-COVID-19 “immunity debt” will add fuel to the fire
Regarding the unusual persistence of the influenza epidemic this summer, Dr. Li Bingying pointed out that in the past, the phenomenon of year-round influenza was more common in tropical areas with long summers, where the conditions for virus transmission were relatively favorable, but the trend of year-round influenza in Taiwan still needs to be observed. It is currently speculated that in addition to being related to climate change, the “immunity debt” caused by the new crown epidemic has increased people’s susceptibility to influenza, making the virus more likely to break the original seasonal pattern and continue to spread during non-epidemic seasons.
Dr. Li Bingying emphasized that since the epidemic was lifted, most people’s resistance to influenza has weakened significantly. However, as the influenza virus continues to be active, he called on young adults, in addition to high-risk groups, to actively receive influenza vaccines to not only protect themselves but also Protect relatives and friends around you.
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