Influenza Vaccine a Must for Diabetics

1
831

Influenza Vaccine: A Need For the Diabetic
by Carol Duff, RN

Influenza is a potentially serious viral infection with an incidence in the United States of 5% to 20% of the population.  Classic symptoms of the illness are sudden high fever, chills, head ache, unproductive cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, generalized aching, and malaise.  It is not uncommon for influenza to be confused with other respiratory illnesses which are less severe.

An uncomplicated case will last as long as 15 days with 5 to 6 of those days as representing restricted activity, often spent in bed.  After the initial symptoms have gone, there may be a period of several additional weeks of lasting fatigue.  Among those who are at high risk for complications are the very old and the very young, the diabetic, asthmatic, and those with cardiovascular disease.

For the diabetic who may have conditions related to his or her disease, such as renal and/or cardiovascular disease, there will be a greater chance of diabetic ketoacidosis (caused by the buildup of by products of fat breakdown, or ketones that occur when glucose is not available as fuel for the cells and fat is used instead.)  There are increased cases of diabetic ketoacidosis during influenza outbreaks. Any illness or stress may cause blood sugar levels to spin out of control. Diabetics are also at a greater risk for developing secondary pneumonia…

Influenza immunizations for diabetics are associated with a reduction in hospitalizations for pneumonias and influenza and deaths which demonstrates that the flu vaccine is important for the diabetic. The American Diabetic Association and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend annual influenza vaccines for all diabetics who are over the age of 6 months.   Now is the season for flu immunizations.

ATTENTION READERS

We See The World From All Sides and Want YOU To Be Fully Informed
In fact, intentional disinformation is a disgraceful scourge in media today. So to assuage any possible errant incorrect information posted herein, we strongly encourage you to seek corroboration from other non-VT sources before forming an educated opinion.

About VT - Policies & Disclosures - Comment Policy
Due to the nature of uncensored content posted by VT's fully independent international writers, VT cannot guarantee absolute validity. All content is owned by the author exclusively. Expressed opinions are NOT necessarily the views of VT, other authors, affiliates, advertisers, sponsors, partners, or technicians. Some content may be satirical in nature. All images are the full responsibility of the article author and NOT VT.
Previous articleSuicide Epidemic Among Veterans
Next articlePerspective on Suicide
Carol graduated from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her diploma as a registered nurse. She attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Literature. She attended the University of Toledo, College of Nursing, and received a Master's of Nursing Science Degree as an Educator. She has traveled extensively, is a photographer, and writes on medical issues. Carol has three children RJ, Katherine, and Stephen - one daughter-in-law; Katie - two granddaughters; Isabella Marianna and Zoe Olivia - and one grandson, Alexander Paul. She also shares her life with her husband Gordon Duff, many cats, and two rescues.