Flu Shots
Influenza infection, or “the flu” can be dangerous for anyone, but it is extra risky for people with diabetes or other chronic health problems. A person with diabetes can have high blood glucose (blood sugar) more often than a person without diabetes, and high blood glucose can make it harder for the body to fight infections.
The flu is also extra risky for people with heart disease, smokers, people with chronic lung disease, and people who have a weakened immune system (like those going through chemotherapy or who are organ donation recipients). Very young children and people who live close together, like in college dorms, military barracks, or nursing homes, are also at higher risk.
Should you get a flu shot?
In general, every person with diabetes needs a flu shot each year. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about getting one. Flu shots do not give 100% protection, but they do make it less likely you’ll catch the flu for about six months. They also lower your risk of hospitalization or other complications if you get the flu.
For extra protection, 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 catch the flu if the people around you don't have it.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
The best time to get your flu shot is in September or October. The shot takes about two weeks to take effect. People with diabetes should NOT get the live flu vaccine, which is delivered as a nasal spray.
If you’re sick (such as having a cold or fever), ask if you should wait until you are healthy again before getting your flu shot. People who have had a reaction to a flu shot should let the healthcare professional providing the flu shot know before getting it.
What to Do if You Have Diabetes and Symptoms of the Flu
For people with diabetes, it’s important to plan ahead for sick days. Ask your doctor now about how to reach them if you think you have the flu so you can get treatment early. Symptoms of the flu can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
A person can have the flu and flu symptoms without a fever.
COVID-19 Vaccines
For people living with diabetes, COVID-19 infection can be more serious and can increase the risk of hospitalization and death. Prevention is key! COVID-19 vaccines lower the chances of getting COVID-19 and more serious complications.
COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Should people with diabetes get a COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is important for people six months and older with risk factors like diabetes to prevent serious infection, hospitalization, and death. One dose per year is recommended for most people, but certain groups may get more than one. The decision on whether the vaccine is needed and how many doses are needed should be made with your doctor or pharmacist. Learn more about how COVID-19 affects people with diabetes.
Pneumococcal Infection and Pneumonia Vaccines
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. A pneumococcal infection can cause illness in different parts of the body. One of the most dangerous places this happens is in the lungs, causing pneumonia. Another dangerous place is the brain, causing meningitis. People with diabetes are more likely to die with flu and pneumococcal diseases, yet many people don’t get a simple, safe vaccine to prevent them.
Symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Cough that can produce mucus that is gray, yellow, or streaked with blood
- Chest pain
- Rapid or difficult breathing
- Fever
- Chills
Symptoms of meningitis include:
- Fever and chills
- A stiff, immovable neck that gets progressively worse
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Photophobia (eye sensitivity to light)
- Extreme tiredness to the point of being unresponsive
Should people with diabetes get a pneumonia vaccine?
A pneumonia vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect you from illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis, so the most important step you can take in preventing pneumococcal infection is to get vaccinated. Talk to your doctor about a plan to get vaccinated. Which vaccine is right for you will depend on your age and if you've already received a pneumonia vaccine. If more than one type of pneumonia vaccine is recommended, they are usually separated by one year.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, respiratory tract, and lungs. It can cause serious problems for people living with diabetes, especially older adults. RSV is a common infection that can lead to serious illness, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Symptoms of RSV can include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
If you have diabetes, you are more likely to get RSV and have serious problems from it. This may happen because diabetes weakens the immune system so it cannot fight germs as well. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself from RSV with the vaccine. Getting vaccinated also helps keep you from spreading the virus to people around you.
Should people with diabetes get an RSV vaccine?
Adults over 60 can receive a single dose of an RSV vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated in the late summer or early fall.
Other Recommended Vaccines
- Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- Hepatitis B vaccine (a series of 2 to 4 doses)
- Zoster vaccine, for shingles (a series of two doses)
Other Steps You Can Take to Prevent Illness
Take basic steps to prevent person-to-person spread:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.
- 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. Spread can happen when someone coughs near you. Other close contact like hugging or kissing can also spread illness.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Paying for Vaccines
For people with Medicare, vaccines may be covered by Medicare Part B in the doctor’s office, Medicare Part D in the pharmacy, or both. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the vaccines you need and how they are covered.
Most private insurance programs cover vaccines at low or no cost. The Vaccines for Children program covers vaccines for those 18 and younger if they’re Medicaid-eligible, have no insurance, don’t have enough insurance coverage, or are American Indian or Alaska Native. Learn more at cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/.
