Influenza ("the flu") is a respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. In the U.S., flu activity peaks in the fall and winter months. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommend an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older, especially people at high risk. One of the groups of people considered high risk for influenza is people with diabetes. This is because people with diabetes- even if it is well-managed- are more likely to become seriously ill and require hospitalization if they get the flu. Having the flu can also make diabetes worse by making it harder to control your blood sugar.
Because it takes about 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect, it is recommended for people to get their flu shot as early in the season as possible- September or October. If you did not get your flu shot yet, you still have time- flu vaccines can be given any time during to flu season. Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu. Other ways to help prevent the flu are:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.
If you think you have the flu, call your doctor's office. There are antiviral medications available to treat the flu, and they are more effective if they are started within 2 days of getting sick.
Here are some places where you can find more information about diabetes and flu:
CDC: Flu & People with Diabetes
American Diabetes Association: Flu and Pneumonia Shots
Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists: Diabetes and Vaccines
No comments:
Post a Comment