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WHAT IS THE FLU?
Influenza, commonly known as "the flu," is a highly contagious and potentially deadly infection that affects up to 20 percent of the total U.S. population each flu season. In past years, flu has caused about 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations annually. Most of these deaths occurred in people 65
years of age and older. The flu is easily passed from one person to another through the air by droplets released when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, but may also be spread by direct contact with influenza virus-contaminated surface.

HOW DOES THE FLU AFFECT THE HEART?
Flu-related death is more common among individuals with heart disease than among patients with any other chronic medical condition. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend that the more than 12 million persons in the United States with heart conditions get annual flu shots. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just one in three adults with heart disease received the flu vaccine in 2005. Therefore, Mended Hearts joins the AHA and ACC in urging those at an increased risk for serious flu-related complications - including all people living with heart disease - to get a flu shot each and every year.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The flu can exacerbate heart disease conditions and can lead to conditions like viral or bacterial pneumonia that cause complications of heart disease.
  • In 2005, only one in three adults with heart disease received a flu shot, which falls short of the national goal to vaccinate more than 60 percent of people less than 65 years of age and more than 90 percent of people 65 and older.
  • A recent observational study found that the flu may trigger up to 92,000 cardiac deaths per year nationwide.
  • Flu shots can reduce hospitalization length, medical costs and work absenteeism, making them a cost-saving treatment option.

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Mended Hearts Inc., received funding and other support from
GlaxoSmithKline for the I Heart Flu Shots™ initiative.