Statins Reduce Flu Deaths By Half

[tednlou2]

I wasn't sure whether to put this in the Research Forum and then I just noticed another thread just posted here about the flu.  I didn't want to hijack that thread.  If it needs to be moved or merged, please do so.

This study brings up a question I've had--Should all HIV poz folks be on a statin for the inflammation benefits?  Or, at least seriously discuss it with their doc?  I keep reading how many young cardiologists take statins, even when their age or risk factors wouldn't indicated the need. 

My brother and his partner just had their yearly Christmas party for their fellow doctors, nurses, and staff.  With all the bad food and alcohol, this topic came up.  Some said they swear by them, while others said they worry about the liver effects starting people on statins in the 30's could possibly have.  A debate began with some saying that was hogwash, because they're safe with regular liver monitoring.  It reminded me of the debates about beginning people on HAART early.  I mentioned how I've read many think people with chronic illness, like HIV, could benefit from them.  By the way, I had a great conversation with two family practice docs who discussed having patients test postive for HIV--how hard it was on them to give that news, with many of them being longtime patients who they had gotten to know.  Obviously, it wasn't as hard as it was for the patient.  But, I realized all docs aren't robotic, when they described the emotions they felt and had to keep in check and be professional, so they didn't scare the patient needlessly.

So, what's the opinion here on statins?  How many are on them for HIV, who wouldn't normally have taken them at this point?  This flu study is very interesting and makes me want to learn more about something I hadn't given much thought to at this point.   

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/coldflu/story/2011-12-14/Study-Statins-reduce-flu-death-risk-by-half/51914122/1       

[newt]

Key sentence in this report for me is:

"The big question at baseline was were the people on statins healthier than those not on statins and did that account for why they were less likely to die?" Thomas said. "That's difficult to answer."

You need a prospective randomised control trial to really say anything useful about statins/hot statins and flu/HIV/etc.

- matt