Living with Diabetes
H1N1 Flu and Pneumonia Shots
Having the flu can be dangerous for anyone. But it is extra risky for people with diabetes or other chronic health problems.
In general, every person with diabetes needs a flu shot each year. Talk with your doctor about having a flu shot. Flu shots do not give 100% protection, but they do make it much harder for you to catch the flu for about 6 months.
For extra safety, it's a good idea for the people you live with or spend a lot of time with to get a flu shot, too. You are less likely to get the flu if the people around you don't have it.
The best time to get your flu shot is beginning in September. The shot takes about two weeks to take effect.
If you have a cold or other respiratory illness, wait until you are healthy again before having your flu shot. And don't get a flu shot if you are allergic to eggs.
H1N1 (Swine Flu)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a public health alert due to the increase of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) cases in the United States.
At this time, you are advised to continue to take the general precautions of preventing seasonal flu and other communicable diseases:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Pneumonia Shots
People with diabetes are about three times more likely to die with flu and pneumonia. Yet only one-third of them ever get a simple, safe pneumonia shot.
A pneumonia shot is recommended for anyone aged 2 or older who, because of chronic health problems (such as diabetes) or age, has a greater chance of getting and dying with pneumonia. A pneumonia shot can also protect you from other infections caused by the same bacteria.
Consider the risks everyone faces:
- 1 out of 20 adults who get pneumonia (a lung infection) dies
- 2 out of 10 adults who get infection of the blood (bacteremia) die
- 3 out of 10 adults who get infection of the covering of the brain (meningitis) die
About 10,000 people die each year because of these bacterial infections. A pneumonia shot, however, can help protect you against getting these illnesses. In fact, it is about 60% effective in preventing the most serious pneumonias, meningitis, bacteremia and death.
You can get a pneumonia shot anytime during the year. For most people, one shot is enough protection for a lifetime. People under 65 who have a chronic illness or a weakened immune system should ask their doctor about getting another shot 5-10 years after their first one.
Flu Clinic Locator—The American Lung Association collaborated primarily with the CDC, the Influenza Summit and the Immunization Action Coalition to compile a comprehensive database of clinics offering flu shots. To find a clinic near you, click on the link above and enter your zip code.
H1N1 Information for Those with Diabetes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Influenza porcina (gripe porcina)
Pandemicflu.gov - One-stop access to U.S. Government swine, avian and pandemic flu information
Swine Flu and You FAQ from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
