Flu jab protects against COVID-related blood clot, strokes: Study

Researchers from the University of Miami in Florida, US, found that patients with COVID-19 who had been vaccinated against flu were also less likely to visit the emergency department and be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

New York: The annual flu shot may reduce the risk of stroke, sepsis and blood clots in patients with COVID-19, according to a large international research. The findings showed it could be a valuable weapon in the fight to halt the pandemic. Researchers from the University of Miami in Florida, US, found that patients with COVID-19 who had been vaccinated against flu were also less likely to visit the emergency department and be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). On the other hand, those who had not had the flu jab were significantly more likely (up to 20 per cent more likely) to have been admitted to ICU; to visit the Emergency Department (up to 58 per cent more likely), to develop sepsis (up to 45 per cent more likely), to have a stroke (up to 58 per cent more likely) and a DVT (up to 40 per cent more likely). The risk of death was not reduced.