> We know that upper respiratory infections often precede heart attacks and strokes. Preventing or reducing the severity of influenza provides a protective fact

> We know that upper respiratory infections often precede heart attacks and strokes. Preventing or reducing the severity of influenza provides a protective factor particularly for stroke So it is really just a secondary benefit to protecting against the flu. One could say that wearing a mask reduces stroke risk for the same reason, or washing hands thoroughly. Anything that reduces the chance of getting the flu.