Many Malaysians are afflicted with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to our Ministry of Health’s National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015, some 3.5 million and 6.1 million Malaysians suffer from diabetes mellitus and hypertension, respectively 1. As for cardiovascular diseases, they continue to be the leading cause of mortality, accounting for 36% of deaths in the country 2.
For people with NCDs, managing their disease is of utmost importance. This typically includes having regular follow-ups with the doctor, taking one’s medication as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, doctors also recommend annual influenza (or flu) vaccinations to help keep these individuals healthy 3.
While influenza can seriously worsen pre-existing NCDs and bring on a variety of medical emergencies, vaccination can have a valuable protective effect 3. In a study of over 35,000 older adults with NCDs, influenza vaccination was found to reduce death rates from stroke, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease, by 65%, 55%, 45% and 22% respectively 4.
Flu Can Trigger Heart Attacks
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend
annual influenza vaccination for cardiovascular disease patients with coronary and other atherosclerotic vascular diseases, the two most common forms of cardiovascular
diseases 5,6. The rationale is clear.
Influenza vaccination is also recommended for people suffering from heart failure, a
condition that develops when the heart muscles become weak due to hypertension and
repeated heart attacks 6.
Flu and Diabetes: A Dangerous Combination
Diabetes mellitus is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (sugar) is persistently high 11. Influenza is a serious threat to people with diabetes, including those who are managing their disease well 12.
About of influenza can cause blood glucose levels to rise to dangerously high levels
(hyperglycaemia). This increases the risk of secondary infection and the likelihood of life-threatening diabetes complications 13,14,15.
Therefore, it is advisable for people with diabetes to prevent influenza, by getting
vaccinated against the disease each year. After all, influenza vaccination among type 2
diabetics have been found to result in 24% lower death rates compared with those who are unvaccinated 16.
Flu Deteriorates Kidney Function
Kidney disease can also develop from a serious infection, such as influenza 18. The
infection can cause the muscle to break down and create toxic byproducts that damage the kidney tubules 18. In a study of 47 H1N1 patients, two-thirds of them were found to have experienced kidney injury or kidney failure, while 11% needed to undergo dialysis to help filter their blood 18.
Therefore, to help maintain their health, people with kidney diseases are encouraged to vaccinate against influenza. Vaccination not only helps to reduce hospitalisations but also lowers overall mortality, especially among dialysis patients 20.
Learn more at: https://immunise4life.my/beattheflu/.