Getting an annual flu shot may offer significant protection against stroke in older individuals, according to new findings by French researchers (Stroke. 2002;33:513-518).
In the study, which involved interviews with 90 patients aged 60 years or older who had had a stroke and 180 matched control subjects, researchers gathered data about risk factors for stroke and also asked the patients if they had been vaccinated during the last influenza vaccination drive (which is in October in France) and every year during the previous 5 years.
Stephenson J. Flu Shots for Stroke Prevention?. JAMA. 2002;287(10):1255. doi:10.1001/jama.287.10.1255-JWM20003-2-1