Do viruses increase your risk of stroke?
Flu, COVID-19 and other viruses can leave us feeling weak while we recover, but do viruses also increase your risk of stroke or other health problems? Neurovascular provider Elizabeth Orr, FNP, offered answers, as well as advice on how to protect yourself against increased stroke risk after illness.
Do viruses increase your risk of stroke?
“Let’s start with what we know about stroke risk from viruses like COVID-19, the flu and others,” said Orr. “COVID-19 is associated with a small risk of stroke, especially in critically ill or hospital-bound patients, due to an increased clotting risk.”
The risk is even higher in those who already have factors leading to a higher risk of stroke or heart attack. Experiencing a stroke after having a virus is most likely during the time you are infected and shortly after, during recovery.
With COVID, that heightened risk can last for up to a year after infection.
What about the flu?
“Influenza and other respiratory infections are linked to a transient increase in stroke risk, especially during and right after illness,” said Orr. “While the risk is heightened, it does lower after recovery.”
An increase in these risks is just one reason the flu shot is so highly recommended by medical professionals at every level of care. Studies have shown that receiving your annual flu shot not only lessens your chance of becoming infected with the virus to begin with, but it also lowers stroke risk even if you do contract a less severe case of the disease.
What happens in the body during a viral illness that may trigger a stroke?
“There are a few processes that are going on as your body is trying to fight off a virus,” explained Orr. “Your body becomes inflamed as it fights infection, your blood may be more likely to clot and your heart and blood vessels are put under increased stress. While this increase in stress is often something the body can handle, it can also sometimes lead to complications, including a higher risk of heart attack, pneumonia and stroke.”
Adding to the heightened risk caused by the virus is the impact of any other medical conditions you may already be living with, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, irregular heartbeat and more.
Treating these conditions, quitting if you currently smoke, focusing on a healthy diet and living an active lifestyle with plenty of regular exercise can all work together to lower your risk.
What warning signs should you watch for when it comes to stroke?
“The acronym BE FAST is essential when it comes to not only recognizing the signs of stroke as they happen, but also in emphasizing how important it is to seek out and receive and immediate treatment if you show any of these signs at all,” said Orr.
BE FAST stands for:
- Balance: Loss of balance, coordination or trouble with walking or movement
- Eyes: Blurry vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes or double vision
- Face: Drooping or numbness on one side of the face
- Arms: One or both arms become weaker or feel numb
- Speech: Difficulty speaking, slurring words or an inability to understand speech
- T: Time to call 911
“We like to say, ‘time is brain,’” said Orr. “The sooner someone having a stroke is able to get emergency medical care, the better. Call 911 and get to a hospital immediately for treatment.”
A few tips on prevention and protection
First, stay up to date on your needed vaccines. Speak with your doctor if you’re not sure what you currently need, since some vaccines require boosters over time and others are annual, like the flu shot.
Take all your medications as prescribed! Keeping up with regular medical care and treatment helps to keep conditions like hypertension and diabetes under control, so your body isn’t overly inflamed or stressed.
“I do have some advice that sounds so simple and easy, but you’d be surprised how many people just don’t quite hit the mark,” said Orr. “And that’s to stay hydrated! Dehydration leads to thicker blood, which your heart has to worker harder to get to your brain. It also significantly increases the risk of a stroke. ‘Drink enough water’ seems like simplistic advice, but trust me, it can make a huge difference.”
Orr added one final piece of advice: Don’t ignore or put off treatment for new neurological symptoms that arise! Even if you discover one side of your face seems droopy but you have no other stroke symptoms, that doesn’t mean a serious event isn’t occurring or about to occur. Receive treatment immediately to give yourself the best chance of recovery.
Prisma Health Stroke Center
Time is critical when it comes to a stroke. Our team is on-site 24/7, with a multidisciplinary program of care and leading-edge approach for stroke patients.
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