Flu deaths drop with statin users

William Atkins
Sunday, 01 November 2009 17:56

Science - Health

Of the 2,800 people studied by the U.S. researchers, 801 of them were taking statins before getting the flu, and continued taking the drug during and after the flu.

Of these 801 people taking statins, 17 of them died within a month of being hospitalized. That relates to 2.1% (17/801).

Of the people not taking statins (1,999), 64 of them died during this same period of time. That relates to 3.2% (64/1,999).

The authors concluded that statin-using people had a “54% lower odds of death” than people not using statins. [WebMD (10/29/09): “Statin Drugs May Reduce Flu Deaths”]

The researchers are now continuing further research into the relationship between statins and the flu.

For additional information on statin drugs, please go to the Mayo Clinic article "Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you?"

The article begins by saying, "Should you be on a statin? These cholesterol-lowering drugs have benefits and risks. Find out whether your risk factors for heart disease make you a good candidate for statin therapy."