TYPE 2 diabetes can increase the risk of getting the flu, which can disturb blood glucose levels. So is it worth getting the flu jab if you suffer from the blood sugar condition?
Having a too high level of sugar in the blood is dangerous, because it can lead to serious health problems involving the heart, nerves, kidneys and eyes.
Everybody is at risk of getting the flu during the autumn and winter months, however certain people are more likely to catch the virus than others.
People more at risk include those who are aged 65 or over, young children, pregnant women, and those with an underlying health condition, such as diabetes.
People who fall into any of these categories are advised to get the flu jab. It is free for those people on the NHS.
“Anyone with diabetes, including those who are pregnant, should get a jab against flu,” said Diabetes UK.
“This is because people with diabetes are more at risk of getting the flu and having diabetes will make it worse.”
The flu in people who are otherwise healthy will usually clear up on its own within a week.
However, in those with diabetes, the flu can disturb blood sugar levels.
People with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes are advised to get the flu jab (Image: Getty Images)
If blood sugar isn’t within target, the effects of flu can be dragged out and increase the risk of developing serious complications.
Getting the flu vaccine can protect you from the most common types of flu currently around.
As this changes each year, it means having to get a new flu jab each year.
The NHS advises getting the flu jab between the beginning of October to the end of November, as it can take about two weeks to work.
It is still possible to get the flu in those two weeks, so it’s best to get the jab ahead of the colder winter months.
It’s advisable not to get the flu jab, however, during periods of illness or infection, especially if you have a fever.
If you are unwell, wait until you are better before getting the vaccine.
Diabetes UK warns on the possibility of higher-than-normal blood sugar levels after the flu jab, but this should settle as the body returns to normal.
If, however, blood sugar levels remain consistently high, talk to a doctor or healthcare professional.
“Winter conditions can be very bad for your health, especially if you’re living with diabetes,” said Diabetes UK.
“That’s why you really need to get your free flu jab before winter starts.”
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1026091/type-2-diabetes-should-sufferers-get-flu-jab-this-autumn
Getting the flu vaccine can protect you from the most common types of flu currently around.
As this changes each year, it means having to get a new flu jab each year.
The NHS advises getting the flu jab between the beginning of October to the end of November, as it can take about two weeks to work.
It is still possible to get the flu in those two weeks, so it’s best to get the jab ahead of the colder winter months.
It’s advisable not to get the flu jab, however, during periods of illness or infection, especially if you have a fever.
If you are unwell, wait until you are better before getting the vaccine.
Diabetes UK warns on the possibility of higher-than-normal blood sugar levels after the flu jab, but this should settle as the body returns to normal.
If, however, blood sugar levels remain consistently high, talk to a doctor or healthcare professional.
“Winter conditions can be very bad for your health, especially if you’re living with diabetes,” said Diabetes UK.
“That’s why you really need to get your free flu jab before winter starts.”
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1026091/type-2-diabetes-should-sufferers-get-flu-jab-this-autumn
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