Tasmanians at high risk of heart disease are being urged to get a flu shot, and cautioned about the interaction some flu and heart medications can have if taken together.
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As well as the risk of heart attack, Heart Foundation Tasmania chief executive Graeme Lynch said people with heart conditions tended to experience more severe symptoms when they did contract the virus.
“There are some fairly compelling reasons for all of us to get a flu shot, but if you have a heart condition it’s extremely important that you make an appointment with your GP for vaccination,” he said.
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Mr Lynch said influenza was “more than a bad cold”, and could potentially be a fatal disease.
“Something not many people are aware of is that some medicines used to relieve flu symptoms can interact with medicines prescribed for a heart condition.
“Also, the activity of Warfarin – a blood-thinning agent – can be affected by cold or flu symptoms. If you have a heart condition and are feeling unwell, speak to your doctor.”
Mr Lynch said there was a significant body of research that pointed to flu vaccines providing some protection against heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
“If you have flu or flu-like symptoms please avoid contact with others. Stay home from work.”