Annual flu shot can greatly reduce risk of stroke in adults, Canadian researchers say
Getting the flu shot can significantly reduce the chances of having a stroke, according to a new Canadian study.
"We found that those individuals actually had a lower risk of stroke than individuals who didn't receive a flu shot or at other times of the year outside of that six-month-post window," said Dr. Jessalyn Holodinsky, the study's first author and a post doctoral fellow at the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine.
In a research paper published Wednesday in the medical journal The Lancet Public Health, the team examined the health of more than four million adult Albertans of all ages and health backgrounds over a 10-year span.
"That's over four million people - and it's actually over 30 million person years of follow up when you're following that many people for that length of time, so it was a lot of data we had to work with," Dr. Holodinsky said.
The research uses by far the largest data set applied to the relationship between influenza vaccination and cardiovascular health researchers say, and while the link to stroke is new, it also supports previous studies that looked at heart attack risk.
It also sheds further light on a phenomenon long observed in hospitals.
"(When there is a) peak of influenza in the community, about three or four weeks later we get a peak of stroke admitted to hospital," said Dr. Michael Hill, one of the study's co-authors. "So there's a relationship between upper respiratory infections and vascular events like ischemic-stroke."
The research did not specifically examine why getting immunized against the flu significantly lowered the risk of stroke across ages and health histories, but the working hypothesis is that fewer flu cases means less stroke risk. In this understanding, vaccination is simply the reason for the reduced cases.
Roughly 30 per cent of people get the flu shot each year in Alberta, while roughly 3,300 Albertans suffer a stroke each year according to data published by AHS.
While more research is needed, the study's authors believe getting a flu shot may one day be a recognized pillar of cardiovascular health advice, along with good diet, exercise and not smoking.
"Interestingly, there's a cost benefit associated with that - if you vaccinate working age adults, the economy benefits. Because more people are at work. And they're not sick," Dr. Hill said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.