Scientists from Columbia University found that flu-like illnesses can increase the risk for stroke among adults, but being vaccinated might lower those odds, especially among those under 45.
They found flu-like illnesses increased the odds of having a stroke in the month following infection, with the highest risk among unvaccinated 18- to 44-year-olds.
The research is published in Stroke and was conducted by Amelia Boehme et al.
Strokes have been increasing among younger adults, who account for about 10% of all strokes in the U.S., according to the AHA’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update.
Research suggests the causes of strokes in younger adults are more wide-ranging than in older adults, and other strategies for prevention may be needed.
In the study, the team looked at the link between strokes, flu-like illnesses, and whether vaccines might play a role in prevention.
Flu-like illnesses are defined as having a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a cough, and/or a sore throat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The researchers analyzed data for 331,828 adults ages 18 to 65 who were admitted to the hospital for strokes between 2008 and 2014. They were compared to a control group of people admitted for head or ankle injuries.
They found overall, those with a flu-like illness in the month prior to hospital admission had 38% higher odds of stroke than those without such an illness.
But those odds were much lower in people who had been vaccinated in the year prior to admission. For unvaccinated people, the odds of stroke were 46% higher, while those who were vaccinated had 11% higher odds.
The closer a person experienced flu-like illness to the time of hospital admission, the higher the odds of having a stroke, suggesting that flu-like illnesses act as a trigger for stroke rather than a long-term risk.
Stroke risk for unvaccinated people with flu-like illnesses was highest among the under-45 group. They had 73% higher stroke odds compared to 41% increased odds for the vaccinated group of the same age.
Among 45- to 65-year-olds who were unvaccinated and had a flu-like illness, the odds of having a stroke rose by 39%. But in the vaccinated group, a flu-like illness didn’t increase stroke risk.
The team says getting a flu shot every year can help ward off more than just the flu virus.
People who have been vaccinated every year have a stronger decreased risk for stroke than someone who got their first flu vaccine this year.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about what are ideal blood sugar levels for preventing repeat strokes, and heart attacks, and this habit can lower the risks of stroke and heart rhythm problems.
For more information about stroke, please see recent studies about therapy that could boost recovery from stroke and dementia, and results showing these 3 common prescribed drugs may increase stroke risk by 60%.
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