It's that time of year where the cold and flu season really starts to get into full swing. For the past few months you've seen ads or were asked by the doctor to the flu vaccine in preparation for flu season. For patients with diabetes, influenza can be a devastating disease. For this reason, it is recommended that all patients are vaccinated against influenza in September, well before the flu season begins.
How to know if I have the flu?
Influenza is a virus that is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and cough. It is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
What should I do if I have the flu?
Most patients will recover without complications, but patients with diabetes are at risk for dehydration, Hyperglycemia, pneumonia and hospitalization. For this reason, patients with diabetes are encouraged to call the doctor at the onset of flu symptoms. You will be able to speak with a nurse who can advise you whether your symptoms are consistent with the flu and what to do next.
You may need to consult your doctor to start medications to reduce the risk of complications from influenza. These medications are most effective when they are started within 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. That is why it is important for patients with diabetes to contact their doctor as soon as they suspect they have influenza.
If you have the flu and diabetes you should take the following measures to reduce the risk of complications of influenza:
1. Hydrate: Increase your fluid intake, taking small amounts of sugar free drinks to prevent dehydration. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, this becomes very important. Monitor for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, increased thirst, increased heart rate and decreased urination.
2. Monitor: sugar hyperglycemia occurs more frequently in diabetic patients during times of stress and illness. It is recommended that all patients with diabetes check their blood sugars every 3-4 hours during the disease to monitor glucose levels extreme changes.
3. know the symptoms of complications: If shortness of breath, high fever, confusion, dehydration or Hyperglycemia contact your doctor to know if need be seen emergently.
Influenza is a serious disease and the best way to prevent its complications is through annual vaccination.
How to know if I have the flu?
Influenza is a virus that is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and cough. It is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
What should I do if I have the flu?
Most patients will recover without complications, but patients with diabetes are at risk for dehydration, Hyperglycemia, pneumonia and hospitalization. For this reason, patients with diabetes are encouraged to call the doctor at the onset of flu symptoms. You will be able to speak with a nurse who can advise you whether your symptoms are consistent with the flu and what to do next.
You may need to consult your doctor to start medications to reduce the risk of complications from influenza. These medications are most effective when they are started within 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. That is why it is important for patients with diabetes to contact their doctor as soon as they suspect they have influenza.
If you have the flu and diabetes you should take the following measures to reduce the risk of complications of influenza:
1. Hydrate: Increase your fluid intake, taking small amounts of sugar free drinks to prevent dehydration. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, this becomes very important. Monitor for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, increased thirst, increased heart rate and decreased urination.
2. Monitor: sugar hyperglycemia occurs more frequently in diabetic patients during times of stress and illness. It is recommended that all patients with diabetes check their blood sugars every 3-4 hours during the disease to monitor glucose levels extreme changes.
3. know the symptoms of complications: If shortness of breath, high fever, confusion, dehydration or Hyperglycemia contact your doctor to know if need be seen emergently.
Influenza is a serious disease and the best way to prevent its complications is through annual vaccination.
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