Recent studies have shown that people who have had ictus They are at significantly higher risk of contracting the flu and having serious complications from the infection. Faced with this reality, the Ictus Brake Foundation, with the social support of the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) and the support SEN Cerebrovascular Disease Study Group (GEECV), in collaboration with Sanofi, has released new information materials to raise awareness among this group about the critical importance of annual vaccination.
Stroke, second cause of death in the world and first among womenaffects 120,000 people every year in Spain. This disease not only significantly weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections such as influenza, but also causes breathing problems that make it difficult to breathe. the body’s ability to fight diseasewhich increases the risk of serious complications. Additionally, stroke is a leading cause of disability among adults, and although one in two people who suffer from it do not fully recover, 90% of cases are preventable.
Basic recommendations for prevention
Among the main recommendations Campaign These include controlling risk factors, promoting a healthy lifestyle, personal hygiene measures and, above all, an annual flu vaccination. vaccine It is presented as the most effective measure to prevent serious complications in stroke patients.
Campaign “Get vaccinated and avoid risks”
Campaign “Get vaccinated and avoid risks” For a year now, it has been expressed through a series of visual resources, including five key images about the importance of vaccination. In addition, it was developed The sixth image is for quick identification of stroke symptomsas well as videos in different formats, which summarize all the information clearly and easily.
Resources will be widely available through the Foundation’s various communication channels, reaching a wider audience and increasing awareness. Additionally, the campaign will have a social media distribution strategy that will include publication of a new video designed to attract the attention of a digital audience and strengthen the messaging on these platforms.
The importance of vaccination for prevention
Flu vaccination is safe and highly recommended for patients who have had a stroke, regardless of age. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) emphasize the need for everyone affected to receive this vaccine annually to reduce the risk of serious complications.
For patients who are unable to receive the vaccine, additional measures such as frequent hand washing and avoiding contact with sick people are recommended as alternative means of minimizing the risk of infection.
Flu symptoms and treatment
symptoms Influenza infection usually occurs one to four days after exposure to the virus. These include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, headache and fatigue. When these symptoms appear, it is critical that stroke patients see a doctor as soon as possible.
Although there is no specific treatment for influenza, antiviral medications may help. reduce the severity and duration of symptoms when administered within the first 48 hours.. More severe cases may require hospitalization, especially for patients who have had a stroke.
For more information and access to campaign materials, visit the Stroke Brake Foundation website or contact us.