Managing the Flu 101

Get through this winter flu season with these tips from our CDCES.

By Susan B. Sloane, BS, RPh, CDE

Every winter we get exposed to a new strain of the flu so it’s important to understand the facts surrounding the flu, and what you can do to protect yourself. Those people most susceptible to complications of the flu are the very young, the very old, and those with chronic diseases.

Flu symptoms generally include muscle aches, cough, headache, and a very high fever, sometimes up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius degrees). These symptoms may develop very quickly and can be extremely uncomfortable if they hit you at the wrong place and time.

It takes about two weeks to develop immunity after you have been vaccinated, so you will be susceptible to contracting the flu virus during the two-week period when your body is building up its defenses. Each person builds up immunity differently and some respond better than others to the vaccine. We also have some level of natural immunity in our bodies to help fend off foreign invaders. The very young and the very old have fewer antibody abilities, as do persons on immunosuppressive therapy and those with chronic illnesses like diabetes.

If you’re living with diabetes, it’s especially important for you to get the flu shot. When you get ill and you have diabetes, your body has a limited ability to fight off the disease so preventing the onset of the flu in the first place is your best defense and the top strategy to stay healthy this winter.

Here are some tips to keep to safe if you contract the flu this winter:

• Check your blood glucose often. Checking your blood sugar more often than normal will help you stay ahead of any potential health problems. The flu can send your blood sugars skyrocketing, which may lead to rapid dehydration and ketoacidosis.
• Drink water! Staying hydrated is always important for those living with diabetes, but when you have the flu it’s even more essential. Your body needs to stay hydrated to fight off the foreign invaders and to get healthy again, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
• Sleep well. A good night’s sleep is always an important part of keeping your blood glucose under control, but it’s especially important when you’re sick with the flu. The more you rest, the more energy your body will have to fight off the disease.
• See your doctor. If you suspect you have the flu, get a proper diagnosis from your healthcare team and follow their instructions. Your healthcare team will advise you on the best treatment plan, some medications may need to be increased during this period of illness.

Make sure to never “assume” you have the flu, proper diagnosis and treatment are of paramount importance. It is recommended by the CDC to treat the flu with anti-viral prescription medications as soon as a case of the flu is confirmed. In fact, public health officials have advised that patients be started on antiviral medication when the flu is suspected, even before it is confirmed.

Remember, you are contagious for up to four days before you get the flu until 4-5 days after your symptoms are confirmed. This is just a rough estimate, but allows you to understand why it is so difficult to protect yourself against the flu, it’s everywhere! Keep in mind that most people do recover from the flu and the season will hopefully be over in a few months.

Stay well and remember, spring is just around the corner!