What to know
- It is important for people with diabetes to get annual flu vaccination to prevent flu and serious flu complications.
- People with diabetes should get the injectable flu vaccine (flu shot). They should generally not get the nasal spray flu vaccine, which contains weakened live influenza viruses.
- People with diabetes who experience flu symptoms should contact their healthcare provider right away.
- CDC recommends prompt flu antiviral treatment for people with diabetes who have flu or suspected flu.
Background
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant). More than 155 million Americans are living with either diabetes (40.1 million) or prediabetes 115.2 million).
Diabetes increases risk for serious flu complications
People with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, even when well managed, are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. These complications can result in hospitalization and sometimes even death. Flu-related complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. Data reported to CDC show about 30% of adults hospitalized with flu have diabetes. Acute illnesses like flu can make managing blood sugar levels harder. Flu may raise blood sugar levels and can also cause blood sugar levels to fall if you can't eat or drink as much as usual. People with diabetes need to follow sick day guidelines if they become ill.
Vaccination is the best protection against flu
Annual flu vaccination is especially important for people with diabetes because they are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. Flu vaccination also has been associated with reduced flu-related hospitalizations among people with diabetes (79%).
Flu vaccines for people with diabetes
- Injectable influenza vaccines (flu shots) are recommended for people with diabetes. Flu shots have a long, established safety record and studies support their safety in people with diabetes.
- People with diabetes should generally not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine (also known as the live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV).
- Your doctor or other health care professional can answer questions you might have about flu vaccine.
Pneumococcal vaccination is also important
- Having flu increases your risk of getting pneumococcal disease.
- Pneumococcal pneumonia is an example of a serious flu-related complication that can cause death.
- People with diabetes should be up to date with pneumococcal vaccination. This vaccination helps protect against pneumococcal pneumonia and other serious infections.
- If someone with diabetes is due for the pneumococcal vaccine, they can get the one their provider recommends when they get a flu vaccine.
- Pneumococcal vaccination should be part of people with diabetes’ management plan. They should talk to their healthcare provider to find out which pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for them.
Other preventive actions for people with diabetes
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, people with diabetes should follow CDC's everyday preventive actions. These include avoiding people who are sick, covering coughs, and washing hands often. They can also take steps for cleaner air and hygiene practices like cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Specific health actions for people with diabetes
- Plan to maintain sufficient supplies of regular medications for chronic conditions.
- Have at least a two-week supply of necessary medications on hand.
If they experience flu symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider right away. Antiviral drugs can treat flu illness and may prevent serious flu complications. CDC recommends prompt flu treatment for people with diabetes who have flu or suspected flu.