TORONTO - A British study suggests getting a seasonal flu shot can not only prevent the flu -- it may also prevent heart attacks in some people.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln found flu vaccination is associated with a 19 per cent reduction in the rate of first heart attacks.
The study also found that getting vaccinated earlier rather than later in the fall further increases the benefits.
Getting inoculated between September and mid-November was associated with a 21 per cent reduction in the heart attack rate, compared to a 12 per cent drop with later vaccination.
It's believed that inflammation caused by influenza may cause plaque inside coronary arteries to break off and cause a heart attack.
The study is published in this week's issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
