Flu and Diabetes
Does having diabetes put me at higher risk for getting the flu?
The flu is a viral infection of the respiratory system and muscles. While everyone is at risk of catching the flu this upcoming flu season, having diabetes can weaken your immune system and can make it harder to fight off the viruses that cause the flu. The flu and any other viral infections can also create added stress in your body, which can then affect your blood sugar levels and increase your risk of serious health complications.
How can I protect myself from the flu?
If you have diabetes, it is important that you take preventive measure to avoid getting the flu. The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine this flu season. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes get a flu vaccine early in the flu season, which generally starts in September. In addition to getting vaccinated against the flu, it is also important that you follow everyday steps, such as washing your hands often, in order to keep yourself healthy this flu season.
What can I do if I have diabetes and the flu?
If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. A health care provider can prescribe antiviral medications that can ease your symptoms and help you feel better faster. In addition to seeing a health care professional, you should also:
- Continue taking your diabetes pills or insulin
- Test your blood glucose regularly throughout the day and track your results
- Drink plenty of sugar-free fluids every hour
- Try to eat as you normally would by selecting foods from your regular meal plan
- Weigh yourself regularly as losing weight without trying is a sign of high blood glucose
When should I go to an urgent care center?
You should go to an emergency room or an urgent care center if you:
- Are unable to eat normally
- Have severe diarrhea
- Lose five pounds of more
- Go six hours without being able to keep food down
- Have a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Have trouble breathing
- Feel sleepy or cannot think clearly
- Have a blood glucose reading lower than 60 mg/dL or more than 300 mg/dL
Don’t spend hours waiting in a hospital emergency room, but instead come into your local Healthpointe urgent care center if you are diabetic and are experiencing any flu-like symptoms. Our full service facilities can treat your symptoms and return you back your daily routine quickly!
Source: Flu.gov
For more information about flu treatments, contact any of our clinics at 888-719-8448, or visit any of our location one in Irwindale by Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Long Beach by Signal Hill, Carson, Seal Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, and Los Alamitos. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net.