You can help prevent a stroke by getting the flu jab, says new study
A Canadian study that was released on Tuesday indicated that getting vaccinated against influenza could be an additional approach to help prevent strokes. It was shown that participants had a lower risk of stroke during the six months following a stroke, and the researchers think that this is because the jab reduces damage in blood vessels.
The research, which was presented in The Lancet Public Health, analyzed the health records of four million people living in Alberta, Canada, and collected those records over the course of nine years.
It is well known that infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as influenza (the flu), can cause damage to your arteries.
The flu can cause an increase in inflammation in the arterial wall and lead to the development of plaques, which are deposits that can narrow or clog your arteries.
Researchers have observed in the past that getting vaccinated against influenza lowers the risk of developing other cardiac diseases. The researchers who conducted the study at the University of Calgary, which is located in Alberta, Canada, went into the trial with the expectation that the flu shot would have a similar impact on the likelihood of having a stroke.
“The flu vaccination is known to minimize the risk of heart attack and hospitalization for persons with heart disease,” stated Doctor Michael Hill, the primary investigator in the study, in a news statement.
In a statement, Hill explained that the team’s goal was to determine “if the vaccination has the same protective qualities for those who are at risk of stroke.”
Hill was pleased to see that the study met all of his requirements. It was shown that persons of all ages, including both men and women, had a risk of stroke that was lowered by more than 20 percent as a result.
However, the authors acknowledged the possibility that the study merely demonstrates a correlation and not a causal relationship.
They stated that one of the limitations of the study was that “one of the biological effects of the influenza vaccine and the act of being vaccinated cannot be disentangled.”
“Although it is biologically plausible that the influenza vaccine might be associated with reduced stroke risk, it is also plausible that individuals seeking seasonal immunizations have higher health literacy and perhaps healthier lifestyles, leading to an inherent reduced stroke risk.” [Citation needed] “Although it is biologically plausible that the influenza vaccine might be associated with reduced stroke risk, it is also plausible that individuals seeking seasonal immun
How else can you prevent a stroke from happening?
Changing your lifestyle is the most effective defense you can have against having a stroke.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), the best approach to help prevent a stroke is to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, refrain from smoking, and not consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
If you want to lower your “bad” cholesterol levels, it’s a good idea to cut out on fatty meals like meat pies, processed meat, and hard cheese.
Atherosclerosis is the condition that occurs when there is a buildup of fatty substances in the walls of your arteries, which can be caused by having high amounts of LDL cholesterol in your blood.
A condition known as atherosclerosis can prevent blood from reaching your brain, which can lead to the death of brain cells.
Consuming a diet that is both healthy and well-balanced can also assist in bringing down your blood pressure.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
If you spot signs that you or someone you’re around is having a stroke, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
People suffering a stroke may be unable to raise their arms, and may have slurred speech.
The best way to prepare for witnessing or having a stroke is to remember the term FAST.
- Face – Does the person’s face droop if you ask them to smile?
- Arms – Ask the person to raise their arms. Do they fall down?
- Speech – Does the person slur their speech or seem strange when your ask them to repeat phrases
- Time – Call 999 immediately. It’s important to react quickly to increase the chances of survival.
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