Flu jab and diabetes

From diabetes.org.uk

 Everyone with diabetes – including those who are pregnant – should get their free NHS flu jab to reduce their risk of getting the flu. This is because people with diabetes are more at risk of getting the flu and having diabetes will make it worse.

You can’t get the flu from the flu jab. But it takes two weeks to work – so you could still get the flu during that time. That’s why it’s important to get the jab as soon as you can, ideally during September.

Why you should get the flu jab when you have diabetes

Flu is serious and can make your blood sugar go all over the place. If your blood sugar isn’t within target, the effects of flu can be dragged out and increase your risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia. This puts you at risk of going into hospital. Getting a flu jab will help you avoid this.

A vaccine protects you against the most common types of flu currently around. As this changes each year, it means you need a new jab each year too.

Flu jab and coronavirus (Covid-19)

If you have coronavirus (Covid-19) you shouldn’t have the jab until you’re better. We don't know whether the flu jab will offer any protection against Covid-19. That's why it's important to continue to follow local guidance. But we do know that the flu jab is the best way of protecting yourself against flu.

Tips for getting the flu jab

You need to be aware of the following:

• If you have an illness or infection – including Covid-19 – and you feel like you have a fever, don’t get the flu jab. Wait until you’re better or speak to a healthcare professional about when to have it.
• If you’ve had a serious reaction to a flu jab in the past, tell the nurse and they will give you a different jab – don’t just go without it.
• The jab is made using eggs, but if you’re allergic to eggs, you can get an ‘egg-free’ jab. Your healthcare professional can help you find out more about this.

Where and when to book your flu jab (UK)

Book your flu jab appointment for early autumn if possible (September onwards). Contact your GP to book your jab if they haven't already got in touch. Or if it’s quicker and easier, get one from your local pharmacy, like Tesco or Boots.

If you can't leave your home

If you are housebound, speak to your GP as community workers may be able to come out and give you the jab at home.

If you're a parent

If your child is 8 or under or you’re caring for someone with learning difficulties, they may be offered a nasal spray by their GP or healthcare team instead of a flu jab to protect them against the flu. Children over 8 will be offered the flu jab.

Possible side effects

After any vaccination you may have side effects. This is natural and they’ll usually go after a few days. Using over-the-counter medications, like paracetamol, and drinking plenty of sugar-free drinks will help if you get a high temperature.

You might find your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. This will usually settle. But if your blood sugar levels remain consistently high, or you experience anything other than these mild side effects, you must tell your doctor or healthcare professional.

If you get flu

If you don’t get the jab in time, you might get flu. Your doctor or nurse should tell you what to do if you’re unwell, and we have lots of information about it too. You might hear these called your sick day rules.
If you take an SGLT2 inhibitor tablet, you should stop this when you’re not well. Your blood sugars may rise when you’re not well so don’t stop taking any other diabetes treatment. And see your doctor or nurse soon, before it gets serious.

Keep warm

You really need to keep warm during the winter, both indoors and outdoors. If your house is too cold, turn up the heating to at least 18°C (65°F).

Keep testing your blood sugars

Being unwell can cause your blood sugars to go up and down. If you normally test your blood sugar, you may need to do it more often depending on your diabetes treatment.

Keep hydrated and eat

Living with diabetes and being unwell can be made worse if you don’t keep your fluids up. Some medications mean you need to eat regularly, so try to eat a little and often. Carbohydrate-based drinks, like milk or juices, may help you manage your blood sugars alongside any medication.

Go to your GP

If your symptoms don’t improve, you need to see your GP. Don’t waste time. Leaving things until they get worse might lead to more serious infections.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/flu-jab?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Find+out+more&utm_content=Find+out+more&utm_campaign=Enewsletter+September+2020#where