Flu & Pneumonia Shots

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Related Links: Flu Shots Pneumonia Shots Swine Flu

Flu 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.

Pneumonia Shots

People with diabetes are about 3 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:

Further Reading . . . Looking for some help with staying healthy? 101 Tips for Staying Healthy with Diabetes (& Avoiding Complications) is a bestseller and contains more than 100 tips to help you reduce the risk of complications and assure a healthy life. For more books on healthy living, click here.

• 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.

Related Links

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.

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.

Resources

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