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Do I Really Need a Flu Shot?
By: Lisa Brouillette Hurteau – Rite Aid Pharmacy Intern, Albany College of Pharmacy
Getting a flu shot each fall is the best way to prevent the flu. The flu, or influenza, is a contagious virus that affects your airways. Symptoms often include fever, sore throat, dry cough, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, and a runny or stuffy nose. This may not sound too bad however, 5-20% of Americans get the flu each year and these symptoms can range from mild to severe. Severe cases of the flu can cause, on average, 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the United States every year. Unfortunately, children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes are at the greatest risk from flu complications.
The flu is very easily spread. Coughing, sneezing, or touching something that has the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose, quickly spreads the virus. You can catch the flu from someone one day before they know they are sick, and up to five days after they become sick.
Diabetes can make your immune system more vulnerable to severe cases of the flu. Therefore, if a person with diabetes catches the flu, it can mean a longer illness, hospitalization, or in the worst case, death The good news is that getting a flu shot can offer you protection.
A flu shot provides protection against the flu by preparing your body to recognize and fight the influenza virus. Ideally, getting vaccinated in October or November is best. However, a flu shot will still offer protection whenever it is given during the flu season. The flu season can begin as early as October, and sometimes lasts until May. You should get the flu shot every year because the virus changes from year to year.
In addition to the flu shot, there are healthy habits you can practice to help protect you and others:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings. This will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
If you do get sick,a visit to your doctor may be needed. Seeing a physician within the first two or three days of your illness will allow them to perform a test to determine if you have the flu. Medications are available to help treat the flu, but they only work if you start using them within two days of developing symptoms, so be sure to see your doctor early.
Taking steps to manage your diabetes and doing what you can to prevent getting sick, like getting a flu shot, will go a long way in helping you live a healthier, happier life. While you make great efforts to maintain your health, inevitably, sick days do occur. Now is a good time to review your sick day plan, before you get sick. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about any modifications you may need to make. Be sure to include a flu shot in your plans to stay healthy.
Resources: Centers for Disease Control website CDC.gov and the American Diabetes Association The Diabetes Monitor
