REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — A team of researchers from Spain discovered an unexpected relationship between injections flu vaccine and risk of stroke. The study sought to explore whether the flu vaccine could provide additional health benefits beyond protecting against influenza, such as reducing the risk of stroke.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, similar to a traffic jam. Type stroke The most common, known as ischemic stroke, occurs due to a blockage in the arteries leading to the brain.
Previously, a study showed a correlation between contracting the flu and an increased risk of stroke. Therefore, the researchers began an investigation to uncover the potential link between receiving a flu vaccination and the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
The researchers investigated extensive health records over 14 years, focusing on 14,322 people who suffered strokes. They compared these records with 71,610 people who had not had a stroke, then matched them by age and gender.
Their analysis aimed to determine whether there was a real difference in the incidence of stroke between people who had received a flu vaccine at least two weeks before their stroke, and those who had not been vaccinated. Preliminary findings showed that 41.4 percent of stroke patients had received a flu vaccination, compared with 40.5 percent in the control group.
At first glance, these numbers suggest little benefit for those who have received the flu vaccine. However, the vaccinated group tended to be older and more susceptible to conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for stroke.
After adjusting for these variables, the researchers found other, more promising statistics. Individuals who received a flu shot were 12 percent less likely to suffer a stroke compared with people who did not receive a flu shot.
This study also tested whether the pneumonia vaccine had an impact on stroke risk, but did not find a significant association. Study leader Francisco J de Abajo stressed that the findings make a strong case for getting an annual flu vaccine, especially for people who are vulnerable to stroke.
“Simple preventive measures such as flu vaccination have the potential to reduce the risk of stroke. However, it is important to note that this research is observational, meaning that this research identifies relationships and not cause and effect,” said Abajo, quoted from the page KnowridgeTuesday (12/3/2024).
2024-03-12 16:32:00
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