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Long-term study shows: a flu infection can promote Parkinson's disease

2021-11-16T12:45:04.633Z


For many people, the flu is nothing more than a bad cold. But researchers have now shown what long-term consequences a disease can have.


For many people, the flu is nothing more than a bad cold.

But researchers have now shown what long-term consequences a disease can have.

Denmark - chills, body aches, fever: anyone who has ever had the flu knows how uncomfortable and exhausting it is.

After all, the symptoms can drag on for several days and sometimes even tie you to bed.

But when it is over, many are relieved.

Doctors advise you to refresh your flu vaccination, especially now that it's back to winter and the flu season.

And for good reason, says a US and Danish research team.

Comparative study shows: flu can promote Parkinson's disease

After all, flu illnesses that may have occurred years ago should have an impact on whether you will later develop Parkinson's.

Parkinson's disease * is, after all, a brain disease * that mainly occurs in old age and restricts mobility.

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Can a viral infection promote Parkinson's?

Researchers say: yes.

(Symbol image)

© Bernd Thissen / dpa

The causes have not yet been fully clarified, but the current comparative study could be another piece of the puzzle.

Typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease are also:

  • Stiff muscles

  • Muscle tremors at rest

  • Postural instability

  • Rigid facial expressions

To this end, the researchers compared 10,271 people with Parkinson's disease with 51,335 healthy people of the same age and sex over decades.

It turned out: The Parkinson's patients are said to be 73 percent more likely to have influenza ten or more years ago than the comparison group.

The scientists have published their results in the medical journal “JAMA Neurology”.

But is this connection really causal?

At least he's not brand new.

You can find even more exciting health topics in our free newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here *.

Comparative study shows: flu can promote Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's is said to have occurred especially after the Spanish flu, a devastating global epidemic at the end of the First World War.

At that time, in addition to pneumonia, meninges and encephalitis were often found.

Researchers even assume that Alzheimer's disease * can also be favored by viral infections.

Virus components and accompanying symptoms such as inflammatory reactions are said to fuel both neurodegenerative diseases.

Accordingly, a flu vaccination * could also reduce the risk of developing dementia * later.

However, further research and studies must be carried out here as well to substantiate these findings.

* 24vita.de and Merkur.de are offered by IPPEN.MEDIA.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.

List of rubric lists: © Bernd Thissen / dpa

Source: merkur

All life articles on 2021-11-16

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