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Flu – Protect Yourself and Those You Care About
Written by: Sarah Matunis, R.Ph.
Rite Aid Pharmacist and Corporate Clinical Coordinator
If you are living with diabetes, or care for someone with diabetes, you should get a flu shot.
The flu is more than just a really bad cold.
The flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It is often spread by coughing and sneezing or touching the virus then touching your nose or mouth.
A person with the virus can spread it to others from one day before symptoms begin, to up to five days after becoming sick.
Once caught, the flu is able to cause potentially fatal complications. Deaths among people with diabetes can increase 5-15% during flu epidemics; so it is important to takes steps to prevent the flu.
Diabetes puts you at High Risk.
Diabetes can cause a weakened immune system which causes a high risk of hospitalization and even death from infection. The flu can develop into sinus infections, ear infections, dehydration, worsened diabetes, and bacterial pneumonia. If you have diabetes, you are six times more likely to be hospitalized with complications than someone without diabetes.
Prevention is the best cure. Get a flu shot every year.
Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect you and those you love, from getting the flu.
Control your diabetes.
Uncontrolled diabetes can make you more vulnerable so, be sure to stay in control.
Protect yourself with good health habits.
Get plenty of rest, physical activity, and eat right. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and frequently wash your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
You need a new flu shot every year.
The influenza virus changes every year. The flu shot also changes to give you the protection you need.
The flu shot does not give you the flu.
An inactivated or dead version of the virus is used in the vaccine, so it cannot infect you.
The earlier you get your flu shot, the better.
It takes about 2 weeks for antibodies to build up and offer protection against the flu. Getting your shot early in the season, may offer you the protection you need. If you do get the flu, the vaccine can still help protect you from potential complications and hospitalization.
It's not all about you. Vaccinate your family.
This not only protects your family from the flu, it also protects you. (Maybe it is all about you.)
Pharmacists – part of your diabetes management team and they can vaccinate.
Did you know Rite Aid pharmacists in select Rite Aid locations offer immunizations? Vaccinations* include: Influenza, pneumococcal, shingles, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, meningococcal, human papillomavirus.
*Some vaccinations are not available in all Rite Aid locations
Join us at select Rite Aid stores Nov. 11 & 13 for free blood pressure screenings, personal consultations, samples, savings and more. Plus, get your flu shot for $30. Learn More.
Flu shots, as well as pneumonia shots are also available at clinics October 21-23 and November 18-20, 2pm-6pm at select locations. Click here for the location near you.
Your Rite Aid pharmacist is available to support your diabetes management efforts.
