Diabetes And The Flu: A dangerous combination
11/10/2022
If you have diabetes,
flu season should trigger a special alert for you. Diabetes can weaken your
immune system, allowing the flu to become much more serious. That makes
precautions against the flu particularly important for the more than 37 million
Americans living with the disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC)).
World Diabetes Day
(November 14) falls during flu season and Aspirus wants community members with
diabetes to be aware of the risk of severe illness that can come with getting
the flu.
People with diabetes
are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications that can result in
hospitalization and sometimes even death, according to the CDC. But if your
diabetes is well-managed, the risk of serious illness decreases.
“I have advised my
patients that obtaining or maintaining good blood sugar is one of the best
things they can do to help decrease their risk,” says Jessika Jamgochian, an
Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner specializing in endocrinology at Aspirus.
The CDC suggests
taking the following precautions against the flu:
- Get a flu shot early in the
fall.
- Wash your hands often with soap
and water. If that's not possible, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid getting close to people
who are sick.
- Try not to touch your eyes,
nose or mouth. Germs can enter your body that way.
- Cover your nose and mouth with
a tissue when you sneeze and throw the tissue away. Or sneeze or cough
into your sleeve, near the inside of your elbow.
“If someone does
become ill, they must continue to be diligent in checking blood sugars. For
many, insulin needs change during times of illness,” says Jamgochian. “Drinking
adequate amounts of water is also important when ill, as dehydration can worsen
hyperglycemia.”
Jamgochian also
suggests the following for those who get sick:
- Continue taking your insulin
and medications as directed
- Communicate with your treating
provider
If you have questions
about managing your diabetes, be sure to contact the provider treating your
diabetes. To learn more about diabetes care at Aspirus, visit www.aspirus.org/diabetes-care.
Jessika
Jamgochian, APNP, sees patients at Aspirus Endocrinology Clinic in Wausau
and Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic – N Chippewa Drive.
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