The Flu and Medical Conditions

If you have diabetes, whether it's type 1 or type 2, you are at increased risk of flu complications and severe infection. This means that if you get the flu, you may be more likely to be hospitalized, and if the infection is severe, at a higher risk of death.

Many people with diabetes have other medical conditions including COPD, high blood pressure and kidney disease. As a result, you may also be at a higher risk of developing bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, and further worsening of heart disease.

The flu can have several effects on your body if you have diabetes:

• Severe flu infection can result because diabetes can cause your immune system to be weaker.
• Your blood sugar levels may fluctuate. Sometimes when you are sick, you may not feel like eating, which can cause your blood sugar levels to go down. And being sick with an infection like the flu can increase your blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes aren't the only ones who are at high risk for flu complications and severe infection. People with asthma, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and many others with chronic medical conditions are also at risk. Are you at risk for flu complications?

There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu:

• Wash your hands properly (at least 20 seconds with soap and water) and frequently. If you don't have any soap or water nearby, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid crowds and stay home if you think you have the flu.
• Cough and sneeze into your arm (not your hand!).
• Eat healthy and get regular exercise to keep your immune system strong.
• Get vaccinated. Your doctor may recommend you get the yearly flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine.
• Manage your diabetes. Take your medication as directed, monitor your blood sugar levels, and follow the treatment plan as recommended by your health care provider.
• Encourage other members in your household to get the yearly flu vaccine.

If you do end up catching the flu, it's important to see your doctor as soon as you notice the first signs of flu symptoms. Common flu symptoms in the first 4 days of getting the flu include:

• fever
• cough
• muscle aches and pain

Don't wait until your symptoms worsen. People with diabetes should see their doctor as soon as possible so that they can begin treatment. If it's identified early on, your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the risk of your flu worsening. Regardless, it is important to get plenty of rest and to stay hydrated. If you would like to obtain an over-the-counter product for your fever or muscle aches, speak to your pharmacist to find the right treatment for you.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/The-Flu-and-Medical-Conditions

If you have asthma, it doesn't mean that you are more likely to catch the flu. However, you are at higher risk for flu complications and severe infection. This is because your airways are swollen and sensitive and the flu virus can cause more inflammation of the airways and lungs.

Having the flu can trigger asthma attacks and worsen asthma symptoms. Flu complications include pneumonia and other acute respiratory (breathing) problems.

People with asthma aren't the only ones who are at high risk for flu complications and severe infection. People with diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and many others with chronic medical conditions are also at risk. Are you at risk for flu complications?

There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu:

• Wash your hands properly (at least 20 seconds with soap and water) and frequently. If you don't have any soap or water nearby, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid crowds and stay home if you think you have the flu.
• Cough and sneeze into your arm (not your hand!).
• Eat healthy and get regular exercise to keep your immune system strong.
• Get vaccinated. Your doctor may recommend you get the yearly flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine.
• Manage your asthma. Take your medication as directed, avoid your triggers, and follow the asthma action plan as recommended by your health care provider. If you are not sure how to use your inhaler(s), ask your health care provider to review them with you.
• Encourage other members in your household to get the yearly flu vaccine.

If you do end up catching the flu, it's important to see your doctor as soon as you notice the first signs of flu symptoms. Common flu symptoms in the first 4 days of getting the flu include:

• fever
• cough
• muscle aches and pain

Don't wait until your symptoms worsen. People with asthma should see their doctor as soon as possible so that they can begin treatment. If it's identified early on, your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the risk of your flu worsening. Regardless, it is important to get plenty of rest and to stay hydrated. If you would like to obtain an over-the-counter product for your fever or muscle aches, speak to your pharmacist to find the right treatment for you.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/The-Flu-and-Medical-Conditions

People with heart disease are at risk of developing flu complications and severe infection. Heart disease includes heart failure, heart valve disorders, arrythmias and congenital heart disease (heart defect since birth). If you've had a stroke in the past, you would also be part of this higher risk group.

People with heart disease are more likely to be hospitalized and often experience worsening of their condition. In fact, those with heart disease who get the flu have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. It's important to keep in mind that people with heart disease are among the most common groups to be hospitalized due to the flu.

People with heart disease aren't the only ones who are at high risk for flu complications and severe infection. People with diabetes, asthma, weakened immune systems, and many others with chronic medical conditions are also at risk. Are you at risk for flu complications?

There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu:

• Wash your hands properly (at least 20 seconds with soap and water) and frequently. If you don't have any soap or water nearby, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid crowds and stay home if you think you have the flu.
• Cough and sneeze into your arm (not your hand!).
• Eat healthy and get regular exercise to keep your immune system strong.
• Get vaccinated. Your doctor may recommend you get the yearly flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine.
• Manage your heart disease. Take your medication and follow the treatment plan as recommended by your health care provider.
• Encourage other members in your household to get the yearly flu vaccine.

If you do end up catching the flu, it's important to see your doctor as soon as you notice the first signs of flu symptoms. Common flu symptoms in the first 4 days of getting the flu include:

• fever
• cough
• muscle aches and pain

Don't wait until your symptoms worsen. People with heart disease should see their doctor as soon as possible so that they can begin treatment. If it's identified early on, your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the risk of your flu worsening. Regardless, it is important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. If you would like to obtain an over-the-counter product for your fever or muscle aches, speak to your pharmacist to find the right treatment for you.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/The-Flu-and-Medical-Conditions

The immune system can be weakened by medical conditions, such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, and by certain medications, such as medications for organ transplants, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and corticosteroids.

If you have a weakened immune system, you are at risk of flu complications because your immune system is not able to fight the flu and other infections that may occur as flu complications (such as pneumonia). The immune system is your body's defence against infections. When it is weakened, it is harder to fight the flu, which also tends to last longer in people with weakened immune systems.

People with weakened immune systems aren't the only ones who are at high risk for flu complications and severe infection. People with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and many others with chronic medical conditions are also at risk. Are you at risk for flu complications?

There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu:

• Wash your hands properly (at least 20 seconds with soap and water) and frequently. If you don't have any soap or water nearby, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid crowds and stay home if you think you have the flu.
• Cough and sneeze into your arm (not your hand!).
• Eat healthy foods and get regular exercise to keep your immune system strong.
• Get vaccinated. Your doctor may recommend you get the yearly flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine.
• Manage your condition. Take your medication and follow the treatment plan as recommended by your health care provider.
• Encourage other members in your household to get the yearly flu vaccine.

If you do end up catching the flu, it's important to see your doctor as soon as you notice the first signs of flu symptoms. Common flu symptoms in the first 4 days of getting the flu include:

• fever
• cough
• muscle aches and pain

Don't wait until your symptoms worsen. People with weakened immune systems should see their doctor as soon as possible so that they can begin treatment. If it's identified early on, your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the risk of your flu worsening. Regardless, it is important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. If you would like to obtain an over-the-counter product for your fever or muscle aches, speak to your pharmacist to find the right treatment for you.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/The-Flu-and-Medical-Conditions