Diabetes, Flu, and You

The greatest wealth is health.  ~Virgil

People with chronic illnesses are strongly urged to be immunized yearly with a flu vaccine.  The Influenza (flu) virus can make anyone sick and uncomfortable but people with diabetes who contract the flu virus are of particular concern because they are most likely to get very sick and may develop very serious complications.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone with diabetes aged 6 months and older should get a flu shot. It is also recommended that close household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of people with diabetes also get the flu vaccine.  Pneumonia is a potential complication of the flu virus therefore, a pneumonia vaccine is also recommended for people with diabetes.  

Flu symptoms may include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. If you have diabetes and contract the flu virus then it is very important that you receive proper care and rest.  Flu.gov provides the following guidelines to assist you with taking care of yourself:

• People with diabetes who contract the flu should follow the following guidelines:
  
  

  Be sure to continue taking your diabetes pills or insulin. Don’t stop taking them even if you can’t eat. Your health care provider may even advise you to take more insulin during sickness.

  Test your blood glucose every four hours, and keep track of the results.

  Drink extra (calorie-free) liquids, and try to eat as you normally would. If you can’t, try to have soft foods and liquids containing the equivalent amount of carbohydrates that you usually consume.

  Weigh yourself every day. Losing weight without trying is a sign of high blood glucose.

• People with diabetes who contract the flu should call their health care provider or go to an emergency room if they experience any of the following:
  
  

  You feel too sick to eat normally and are unable to keep down food for more than 6 hours.

  You're having severe diarrhea.

  You lose 5 pounds or more.

  Your temperature is over 101 degrees F.

  Your blood glucose is lower than 60 mg/dL or remains over 300 mg/dL.

  You have moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine.

  You're having trouble breathing.

  You feel sleepy or can't think clearly

• Medication (antiviral drugs) may be prescribed for you to assist with treating the flu virus.  Please speak with your medical provider about these medications if you contract the flu.

• Most importantly, if you think you have flu-like symptoms then call or see your medical provider ASAP for medical advice.