The flu vaccine may reduce the likelihood of being hospitalized with stroke and heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes, according to new research conducted by scientists from the Imperial College London, and published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). The study also found patients who received the influenza vaccination had a 24 percent lower death rate in the flu season compared to patients who weren't vaccinated. The team studied 124, 503 UK adults with type 2 diabetes between 2003 and 2010. Around 65 percent of these patients received the flu vaccine.

The scientists observes that those who received the vaccine had a 30 percent reduction in hospital admissions for stroke, 22 percent reduction in heart failure admissions and 15 percent reduction in admissions for pneumonia or influenza. Dr Eszter Vamos, lead author of the study from the School of Public Health at Imperial, said: "most flu deaths every year occur in people with pre-existing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. This study suggests the vaccine may have substantial benefits for patients with long-term conditions. Not only might it help reduce serious illness such as stroke and possibly heart attack in high-risk individuals, but it may also reduce the risk of death in the flu season.

Furthermore, flu infection has been found to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with cardiovascular disease, although scientists are unsure why.

Professor Azeem Majeed, co-senior author added: "There are few studies looking at the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in people with diabetes. Although there have been questions surrounding the effectiveness of the flu vaccine in recent years, this research demonstrates a clear advantage for people with diabetes. The findings of the study illustrate the importance of flu vaccine in reducing the risk of ill-health and death in people with long-term conditions. Patients with diabetes should ensure they receive the vaccine every year."

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