CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | Resources for People with Diabetes

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/diabetes/[04/30/12 03:57:15 PM]

Flu and People with Diabetes

Increased Risk from Flu

People with diabetes (type 1 and 2), even when well-managed,

are at increased risk of severe disease and complications, like

hospitalization and even death, as a result of getting the flu.

This is because diabetes can make the immune system less

able to fight severe influenza disease. In addition, illness can

raise your blood sugar level. Also, sometimes people don’t feel

like eating when they are sick, and this can cause blood sugar

levels to rise and fall.

Vaccination is the Best Protection against

Flu

CDC recommends that people with either type 1 or type 2

diabetes, who are 6 months and older, get a flu shot. (The

nasal spray vaccine should not be given to people with

diabetes.)

People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of

developing pneumonia from the flu, therefore a pneumonia

(pneumococcal) vaccine is also recommended for them. A

pneumonia vaccine should be part of a diabetes management

plan.

Other Preventive Actions

In addition to getting vaccinated yearly, people with diabetes

should take everyday precautions for protecting against the flu.

More Information

Diabetes & Flu: What You Need to Know and Do

Key Facts about Flu Vaccine

Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine Materials

People at High Risk of Developing Flu–Related

Complications

Treating Influenza (Flu) [848 KB, 2 pages]

CDC Obesity and Overweight Web Site

Pneumococcal Vaccine

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA

800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, New Hours of Operation 8am-8pm

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Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Page last reviewed: November 12, 2010

Page last updated: January 13, 2012

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

(NCIRD)

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