Diabetes and the flu:
the importance of vaccination

Diabetics are more at risk of respiratory infections, like the flu. Find out how to adequately protect against it.

The vulnerability to infections

Diabetes is a chronic illness that compromises the general health of those affected by it. Diabetics are particularly more vulnerable to various types of infections, including:

respiratory infections (e.g., flu and pneumonia)
skin infections
vaginal or urinary infections, and
mouth infections (e.g., thrush)

This vulnerability is partly explained by a weakened immune system caused by hyperglycemia (elevated levels of blood glucose). Additionally, hyperglycemia causes damage to blood vessels, which compromises wound healing, for example.

The flu: a threat to diabetics

The flu is an acute and very contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus called influenza. It is not a common cold, but an infection with potentially serious consequences. The virus is airborne (can be transmitted by a cough or saliva droplets) or by direct contact with an infected person (e.g., kiss or handshake) or by a contaminated object (e.g., doorknob).

Flu symptoms are often moderate to severe, can last a long time (up to three weeks), and include:

high fever
shivering
achiness and muscle pain
extreme fatigue
general malaise
coughing
headache and sore throat, and
difficult breathing

The flu can lead to complications such as bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis and pneumonia, and may require hospitalization. In the most serious cases, death may occur. People living with type 1 or 2 diabetes are particularly at risk of having flu-related complications.

A respiratory infection such as the flu can cause an imbalance (elevation) of blood glucose. Changes in food intake during the illness can also compromise blood glucose control. In diabetics, blood glucose control is crucial; an imbalance causes typical symptoms and complications of diabetes.

The critical importance of vaccination

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot each year in the fall. All individuals affected by type 1 or 2 diabetes that are six months and older should receive the vaccine. The people close to them should also receive it. The flu shot should be part of the treatment plan for all diabetics.

The flu shot is provided free of charge for people living with diabetes and their loved ones. Several pharmacies offer a flu vaccination service. Ask your pharmacist or a pharmacy team member for an appointment.

A few tips to stay healthy

Get plenty of rest and learn to better manage stress.
Get adequate sleep.
Adopt healthy eating habits.
Refrain from smoking.
Make sure your blood glucose is well controlled.
If you think you may have some kind of infection, see a doctor promptly to obtain a diagnosis and benefit from rapid care services.
Throughout the year, and particularly during winter, wash your hands often to avoid contamination by germs.
Avoid close contact with people you know to be infected by the flu