Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/n6xaYo1MQFU   Last fall and winter, only 54.8% of Americans received the flu vaccine, and only 58.5% are projected to get it during this years flu season.  So far, only 40.9% have gotten their flu shots and only 17.6% plan to get theirs.  Too bad for the 41.5% who refuse to get the shot, and that refusal is frankly dangerous for those with cardiovascular issues.   The flu vaccination rate for those under 65 with CV disease is less than 50% compared with 80% for older patients with similar problems. Younger persons might reconsider when they realize the consequences of an influenza infection.  The flu makes a heart attack 6 times more likely.  Of those with a lab confirmed flu or a hospitalization for flu, 11.6% experienced an acute cardiovascular event.  Then too, 31% of those admitted for the flu require ICU services and 7% die.   Flu vaccines are effective with the vaccinated 37% less likely to be hospitalized and 82% less likely to land in the ICU.   Be sure that you are vaccin