🎙Ask a Doc: What is the Risk vs Benefit of Flu Vaccinations Ep 144

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Ever wondered how critical getting a flu vaccine really is? What if the decision could be easier than you think? Join us as we explore this pressing issue on MedEvidence with our host, the seasoned cardiologist and medical researcher, Dr. Michael Koren. This episode takes you through a comprehensive risk versus benefits analysis essential when considering vaccination, making the process less daunting and more personalized.

Within the world of healthcare, exposure risks are as significant as personal health risks. Listen as Dr. Koren lays out these complexities, painting a vivid picture of the various contexts that could enhance your exposure risk. From healthcare workers to those with a history of chronic diseases, the discussion brings to light who benefits most from the flu vaccine. Intriguingly, Dr. Koren also brings to the table why a healthy, younger population may not necessarily need the vaccine. Eager to make an informed decision about the flu vaccine? This episode has got you covered. Tune in.

Recording Date: September 8, 2023

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Music: Storyblocks - Corporate Inspired

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Episode Transcript

Narrator (00:01):
Welcome to MedEvidence , where we help you navigate the
truth behind medical researchwith unbiased evidence, proven
facts powered by ENCORE ResearchGroup and hosted by
cardiologist and top medicalresearcher, Dr.
Michael Koren.
Dr.
Koren, a MedEvidence listener,asked are you recommending flu
vaccines for your patients?

Dr. Michael Koren (00:22):
Great question, and the simple answer
is I recommend them for thepatients who need them.
So who are the patients whoneed them?
Well, again, with all vaccinetype of decision making, you
look at risk versus benefits andthe risks are twofold.
You have your personal healthrisk or your medical risk and

(00:42):
you have your exposure risk.
So the exposure risk is whoyou're hanging out with.
So if you're a healthcareworker, like me, you're going to
hospitals, you're dealing witha lot of sick people.
That's a higher exposure risk.
If you're in a job where you'reexposed to a lot of people and
it's hard to protect yourself,that's an exposure risk.
One of the exposure risks thatjust came up was working in a
meat packing plant.

(01:03):
So there's a very famous casein a Iowa meat packing plant
where lots of people got COVIDbecause they were crammed
together, working closely, sideby side.
So that would be considered anexposure risk.
Your personal medical risk, ofcourse, is based on the elements
of your medical history.
Do you have asthma?
Do you have diabetes?
Do you have a history of cancer?
People who are in thatsituation should be more likely

(01:26):
to get a vaccine to protectthemselves.
If you're a healthy person, youdon't need to necessarily get a
vaccine because if you do getinfluenza, chances are it's not
going to be too severe andthere's also products in the
market to help you with themedication should you start to
develop symptoms of influenza.
So there is a backstop.
People that are older tend tohave a worse time with influenza

(01:48):
.
So in general, people over age65, I would generally recommend
that they get the vaccine.
Again, people that have heartdisease or my patients that are
over age 50, I would generallyrecommend getting the vaccine.
My younger patients that maybehave palpitations or other
relatively minor cardiac issuesdon't necessarily need to get a
flu vaccine.
So again, look at your medicalrisk, look at your exposure risk

(02:12):
, work with your doctor anddefine that risk and then make
that decision with yourphysician.
But for my patients, thehigh-risk people do get it.

Narrator (02:20):
Thanks for joining the MedEvidence Podcast.
To learn more, head over tomedevidence.
com or subscribe to our podcaston your favorite podcast
platform.