Let’s find out more about Diabetes and the Flu Shot: Is It Safe?
The 2022-23 flu seasons could begin earlier and become more severe than in previous years. This is why public health officials and medical professionals are encouraging people who suffer from health issues like Diabetes, for example, or a history of Diabetes, who could be susceptible to greater complications, to get vaccinations as quickly as possible. The flu vaccine is available, and I strongly suggest that those who have Diabetes get the shot early as they can.
Influenza, also known as the Flu, is a respiratory disease affecting an average of 8.5% of Americans every year, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Influenza can cause symptoms like cough, fever, sore throat, and runny nose. It can develop into more serious illnesses like Pneumonia and even death.
People with Diabetes have trouble combating all kinds of illnesses and struggle to generate the right inflammation response to combat an early form of Pneumonia.
What is the Flu Influences People with Diabetes:
The flu virus is a virus that infects cells in the nasal bridge and throat, which can cause constriction or a sore throat. The inflammation of the mucus membranes inside the bronchial tube that carry air into and out of the lungs can trigger coughing. The inflammation also allows the bacteria that are normally found inside our throats to enter the lungs, which is known as Pneumonia. It can lead to breathing difficulties, coughing, and chest pain. Additionally, should it not be taken care of, it can become fatal.
A more serious illness such as Pneumonia can make it difficult to manage blood sugar levels which could raise the chance of diabetes ketoacidosis. This is a health emergency in which blood is contaminated with high levels of ketones. Patients with type 2 diabetes will be more likely to weigh overweight. This is an additional threat to respiratory illnesses like Pneumonia.
What is HTML0? Avoid the Flu and its complications:
Yearly flu vaccination is the most effective method of preventing the Flu and its complications. From the 2019 to 2020 season, flu vaccinations stopped 7.5 million flu infections and 6,300 deaths due to Flu, as per the CDC.
Researchers develop a brand new flu vaccine every season to closely match the circulating viruses, and its effectiveness can vary between 19 and 60 percent between 2009 and 2022, as per CDC statistics.
It is recommended that all people who are 65 or older, and people with Diabetes, get specific flu vaccinations, such as Fluzone high dose quadrivalent, Flublok quadrivalent or Fluad quadrivalent as per the latest CDC guidelines.
You can get your flu vaccine in your doctor’s office or a pharmacy, and the CDC’s Vaccines.gov lets you find the nearest flu vaccine clinics using your zip code.
Strategies to Avoid The Flu as well as Pneumonia:
These guidelines apply to everyone trying to avoid the Flu and its complications, such as Pneumonia, but they may be crucial for those with Diabetes.
- Get a vaccination against the Flu. (Opt for the high-dose vaccine for those over 65 years old.)
Ask your physician or pharmacist if you’re qualified to receive the pneumococcal vaccine that guards against pneumonia-causing bacteria.
- Avoid contact with people who are either coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often.
- Flu viruses can persist for up to 24 hours upon surfaces. So cleanse surfaces with the soap you use or with other cleaners.
- Wear a mask for inside events during flu season.
- Be aware of the spread of influenza in your area. Consider staying at home in the event of a high number of cases.
How to do If You Have the Flu as a Diabetic:
Even if you’re taking preventive measures such as getting vaccinated, you might still be afflicted with the Flu. The Flu can spread when a person at least six feet away is coughing or sneezing, and the affected droplets end up in our mouths or noses, according to the CDC. Infrequently, it is spread when you touch a doorknob or other object infected by the flu virus.
Other antiviral prescriptions can help people suffering from Diabetes, particularly those who are 65 or older and at a higher risk of developing complications caused by the Flu.
Tips for Recovering from the Flu while Managing Diabetes:
- Keep hydrated by drinking lots of sugar-free fluids, such as water.
- If you’re taking insulin, you may have to monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently.
- Be aware of the possibility of low blood glucose episodes, known as hypoglycemia, when taking insulin and not eating as often.
- If you are using cough syrup, make sure you choose a sugar-free option.
The time when you should seek medical attention from a professional:
The symptoms of influenza typically begin around days 2 to 3. However, symptoms improve by days 5-7. If you’re experiencing more coughing and you’re experiencing Flu Shot a persistent fever is an indication of the most prevalent flu-related complication, which is Pneumonia caused by bacteria. It could be extremely grave.
It is important to contact your doctor immediately when you experience these symptoms or any other symptoms listed below.
An Ending A Note regarding Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines to people who have Diabetes:
In the last two years, fewer cases of Flu have been due to measures taken during the pandemic, including social distancing and wearing a mask to stop spreading COVID-19. Today, people are travelling, returning to school and work, and returning to routine activities, which could increase the spread of the Flu.
In reality, the coming season may bring an increase in cases of both COVID-19 as well as Flu. You can conveniently receive the COVID-19 vaccination or booster and your flu vaccination.
The CDC recommends bivalent COVID-19 boosters that are not less than two weeks from the time a person has completed their primary vaccination or their last booster shot for those who are 12 years old or older. For those aged 12-17, old only get one booster shot, the Pfizer Bivalent Advantage.
Patients with preexisting illnesses, such as Diabetes, Flu Shot are at greater risk of developing severe symptoms, requiring medical attention, and ultimately dropping dead from COVID-19. Maintaining a full vaccination history and receiving booster shots as needed is so essential.