Wiesbaden, Germany - People who come down with influenza are at greater risk of suffering heart problems, but an immunization can avert this, said Germany's professional association of internists.

When flu is going around, the number of people who die from heart problems typically increases greatly. A Russian study documented
30 per cent more fatal heart attacks than usual during a flu epidemic.

Immunization against influenza can impede heart attacks, pneumonia and strokes, the association said. Elderly people, diabetics, patients with heart disease or chronic obstructive bronchitis are the most-at-risk groups. The month of November is one of the best for immunization. (dpa)