Enhanced risk of stroke associated with influenza
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal STROKE, a team of international scientists, led by Prof. Dr. Christoph Kleinschnitz from the Department of Neurology at University Hospital Essen, have found a potential link between severe influenza A virus infections and an increased risk of strokes.
The research, titled "Influenza A Infection Increases Severity of Acute Ischemic Stroke Through Neutrophil Activation and Hypercoagulability", was conducted on animals infected with a human influenza virus and then induced with a stroke at various time points. The study shows that acute influenza A virus infections can exacerbate brain damage and neurological deficits in stroke cases.
The team, which included biologist Dr. Friederike Langhauser, scientists from the Chair of Infection Immunology at the University of Duisburg-Essen, and experts from the Netherlands and Sweden, aimed to further investigate the link between severe influenza A virus infections and strokes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study reveals that the virus infection affects blood clotting, as evidenced by changes in the blood profile. This increases the likelihood of blood clots forming, which can ultimately lead to vessel blockages and stroke. The team's research suggests that early vaccination against influenza viruses is a crucial preventive measure, particularly for vulnerable patient groups.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more strokes were recorded in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, and the team aims to further investigate this finding. In case of infection, neurological symptoms such as numbness and paralysis should be paid attention to, and quick action should be taken if any stroke symptoms occur.
Medications like acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or antiviral therapies can help reduce progressive brain damage in stroke cases. The authors of the study stress the importance of early intervention and timely medical care in managing both influenza A virus infections and stroke cases.
The most common type of stroke, ischemic stroke, affects over 12.2 million people worldwide each year. This new research sheds light on the potential risks associated with influenza A virus infections and strokes, providing valuable insights for future preventive measures and treatment strategies.
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