Vaccination Crucial for Reducing Stroke Risks This Winter

As the winter flu season approaches, health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination, particularly for older adults. Professor Rónan Collins, a consultant physician in geriatric and stroke medicine at Tallaght University Hospital, highlights that receiving the flu vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Current guidelines recommend that everyone aged over 60 should get vaccinated annually against the flu, as well as the Covid-19 vaccine.

Both influenza and Covid-19 pose serious health risks, especially to older adults and those with weakened immune systems. These illnesses can lead to severe complications, placing additional strain on healthcare systems. Furthermore, the winter months present other viral threats, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which traditionally affects young children but can also lead to hospitalizations in older adults. According to recent statistics, the hospitalization rate for RSV in older adults is 75 per 100,000, not insignificant in the context of additional vulnerabilities that come with age.

The previous winter saw a notable spike in RSV cases, with approximately 500 hospitalizations reported among older adults during the 2023-2024 flu season. An estimated 34,000 to 58,000 infections occurred nationwide, many of which went undetected, particularly in community and nursing home settings.

Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, also presents a risk to older populations. About two in every 1,000 people contract shingles annually, with the incidence increasing to about 11 per 1,000 for those over 80. Early detection and treatment are vital, as shingles can lead to painful complications, including nerve pain and vision problems if it affects the eye.

Recent research indicates a direct correlation between influenza, RSV, and shingles with increased stroke risk. Each illness can elevate the likelihood of stroke and heart failure by two to eight times, according to findings from the INTERSTROKE study. Professor Collins notes that vaccination against the flu is one of the most cost-effective strategies to mitigate stroke risk globally.

Inflammatory responses triggered by these viral infections can lead to the destabilization of arterial plaques, potentially resulting in blockages that cause strokes. Moreover, these infections can contribute to other serious conditions, such as heart attacks and irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation, which accounts for one in three strokes in Ireland.

The winter months are historically associated with a higher incidence of strokes. Professor Collins reflects on his early medical training, where various theories about seasonal health changes were discussed. Ultimately, the connection was clear: winter viruses are a significant factor in stroke occurrences.

Statistics reveal that one in four individuals will experience a stroke, with one in ten succumbing to it and half facing some form of disability afterward. Currently, at least 90,000 people in Ireland live with disabilities resulting from strokes. Projections suggest that without effective preventative measures, stroke numbers could increase by 58% according to the Burden of Stroke in Europe report.

Professor Collins advocates for a comprehensive vaccination strategy for older adults, paralleling those already in place for children. By prioritizing vaccinations, healthcare systems can reduce the burden of winter illnesses, including hospital admissions related to heart failure and strokes.

In conclusion, as flu season begins, the call for vaccination is more critical than ever. Vaccines not only provide protection against flu, Covid-19, and shingles but also play a vital role in safeguarding against strokes and other severe health issues in older populations. The time to act is now, and health authorities encourage everyone over 60 to take advantage of free vaccinations available to them.