Know What to do About the Flu H1N1 Flu Information for Persons with Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you may be wondering if you are at risk of serious illness from H1N1 flu. Being sick in general can raise your blood glucose (sugar) or can prevent you from eating properly-which can further affect blood glucose, even lowering it. Diabetes can also lower your ability to fight infections and cause a higher risk of serious complications from infections. People with diabetes who come down with the flu can become very sick and may even have to go to the hospital. Therefore, it is important for a person with diabetes to take steps to prevent catching the flu. If you do get sick, you'll need to take special care of yourself during these times and keep track of your blood glucose level.

For the best protection-get vaccinated

Those with diabetes will be among the first people able to get the H1N1 flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor about getting this new vaccine as soon as it is available. Also, be sure to get vaccinated against seasonal flu. Seasonal flu can cause severe illness for people with diabetes.

Take these everyday steps

There are many things you, your family and friends can do to help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the chances of getting seasonal flu and H1N1 flu:

  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow-not your hands. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water-or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people and stay home when you are sick.

Stay healthy

Eat right, get enough sleep and reduce stress as much as possible. Staying healthy reduces your risk of getting the flu and other infections, and helps your immune system fight off the flu if you do get it.

Watch for flu symptoms

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are like those of seasonal flu, and include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. If you think you may have H1N1 or seasonal flu, be sure to contact your doctor right away.

  • Continue taking your diabetes pills or insulin even if you can't eat.
  • If you test your blood glucose, do so every four hours or as your doctor directs.
  • Drink (calorie-free) liquids like tea without sugar, water or diet soda.
  • Try to eat as you normally would and weigh yourself every day-losing weight without trying is a sign of high blood glucose.

Contact your doctor immediately if you

  • feel too sick to eat
  • are having severe diarrhea
  • lose five pounds or more
  • have a temperature of 100 degrees F. or more
  • have a blood glucose level lower than 60 mg/dL or if it remains over 300 mg/dL
  • have moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine
  • are having trouble breathing
  • feel sleepy or
  • can't think clearly

For more information, go to www.nyhealth.gov or www.flu.gov. Check with your doctor if you have specific questions or concerns.