Recent studies in Neurology suggest that flu vaccines alone may reduce the likelihood of experiencing a first stroke. Flu infection increases the risk of having an ischemic stroke by 40%.

According to the observational study, participants who received flu shots had 12% lower risk of having their first stroke than those who did not. The cause of the apparent decrease in stroke risk is unknown, but the researchers hypothesize that getting the flu shot may lower inflammation mediators.

The team identified 14,322 individuals after 14 years of data analysis who experienced ischemic strokes at least 14 days after receiving a vaccination and before the ensuing flu season. Five individuals from the initial cohort who were of the same age and sex as the subject were assigned to each subject at random for comparison.

Researchers stated that people who have risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, were estimated to be effected the greatest. Researchers underlined that receiving an influenza vaccination may thus have additional cardiovascular benefits. (MedicalNewsToday, September 13, 2022)