Cataloging another potential benefit of cholesterol-lowering statins, the researchers state that they may also reduce the chance of dying because of flu. Presenting the study in the annual meeting of Infectious Diseases Society of America, the researchers reported that 50 % of patients who were taking statins containing Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor, are less likely to die than those who weren't taking the drugs..

Considering the data are from the 2007-2008 influenza season, the researchers analyzed that one brand of statin is associated with better odds of surviving the flu than another, additionally suggesting, that statins may help keep the flu virus in check by lowering inflammation and activating the immune system.

"Our preliminary study shows these cholesterol-lowering medications called statins are associated with a decrease in mortality. This early research suggests there may be a role for statins in influenza treatment and it should be studied further," said Meredith Vandermeer of the Oregon Public Health Division.

VanderMeer's study concludes that out of 801 patients taking statins anyway and continued taking them while hospitalized, 17 of died in the hospital or within 30 days of discharge, compared to 64 who were not taking statins.

Analyzing the helpful effects of statin that help flu patients by lowering inflammation (part of the body's immune response), the researchers have further started analysis on the brands of statin that’s more effective than another.