Vaccination Tied To Lower Stroke Risk In Children: Study

Emphasizing the importance of vaccines for children, a new study found an increased risk of stroke in children who have been poorly vaccinated.

According to UPI, infections like cold and flu pose a small risk of stroke in children, which is upped in kids who receive few or no vaccination. Researchers at University of California, San Francisco analyzed medical records of 355 children with a media age of 7.6 years who had stroke and that of 354 children of 9.3 years who did not suffer a stroke. They also determined the vaccination status of the children.

The analysis showed that children that suffered stroke were sick a week prior and had received few or no vaccinations.

"If our results hold up in further studies, controlling infections like colds and flu through hand-washing and vaccines may be a strategy for preventing stroke in children," said study author Heather J. Fullerton in a press release.

While stressing to parents the importance of vaccination, researchers assured them the overall risk was minimal.

"Parents should know that while the risk was increased, the overall risk of stroke among children is still extremely low. It is possible that changes in the body as a result of these infections, such as inflammation and dehydration could tip the balance in a child who is already at a higher risk for stroke. Parents should not be alarmed if their child has a cold that it will lead to a stroke," said José Biller author of a corresponding editorial