Getting An Annual Flu Shot May Offer This Unexpected Health Benefit – Health Digest

Specifically, vaccinated individuals were found to be about 12% less susceptible to ischemic stroke, reports HealthDay News. However, this relationship was not observed in patients receiving the pneumococcal vaccine. While one might think this indicates something uniquely special about the flu vaccine, researchers acknowledged that it could not be deemed the definitive cause for these outcomes. Senior researcher Dr. Francisco Jose de Abajo elaborated while speaking to HealthDay News those who opt to receive the flu vaccine may also engage in other healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise or taking prescribed medications to keep their blood pressure regulated. These can all potentially lower the risk of stroke.

Even so, the study team believes its findings may point to another potential way to reduce our risk of stroke. "The flu shot is not 100% effective, but it's pretty darn good," co-author of the study, Dr. Mitchell Elkind, stated via HealthDay. Dr. De Abajo expressed similar sentiments and hopes that continued research will highlight how flu vaccines can support our overall health.

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Getting An Annual Flu Shot May Offer This Unexpected Health Benefit - Health Digest