Diabetes and Flu H1N1 seasonal

CDC’s Overarching messages fit with the Division of Diabetes Translation’s (DDT) messages This year, more than ever, do all you can to protect yourself and others from the flu. Keep informed, wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, keep sick people home from work or school, and get yourself and your family vaccinated against seasonal flu and, if recommended, the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Influenza is unpredictable, but scientists believe that the 2009 H1N1 flu virus will cause more illness, hospital stays, and deaths in the United States during the coming months. Approximately 70% of persons hospitalized from 2009 H1N1 influenza have had a recognized high risk condition (approximately 60% of children and approximately 80% among adults). These high risk conditions are the same conditions that increase the risk of complications from seasonal influenza infection and include people who have a metabolic disorder such as diabetes. Complications of flu include worsening of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes. Persons with diabetes may have abnormal immune function that can lead to increased risk of complications from influenza infection. Influenza may also interfere with blood glucose management. People with diabetes are six times more likely to be hospitalized with seasonal influenza complications and almost three times more likely to die. Vaccine Information: Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Influenza Take time to get vaccinated against influenza. The CDC recommends seasonal influenza vaccine annually to all persons with diabetes six months of age and older and influenza vaccination for close household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of anyone with diabetes. Getting a regular flu vaccine is part of an overall diabetes management plan. CDC recommends that you get your regular flu vaccine now. Even if you receive the seasonal vaccine early in the season, the protection you get from the vaccine will not wear off before the flu season is over. The goal is to vaccinate all people with the 2009 Hh1N1 vaccine but people with diabetes are in the priority group since they may be at higher risk for complications from 2009 H1N1 influenza. People who have diabetes in the age group 6 months though age 64, are in the high priority group to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available in the upcoming weeks. Talk to your health-care provider. People with diabetes should get the “injection” type of vaccine, NOT the “live” nasal mist type of vaccine for both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines. People can receive both vaccines in the injectable form (the seasonal flu vaccine and the 2009 H1N1) at the same time. While people 65 years and older aren’t included in the high risk groups to be prioritized for 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination, they can get the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine as soon as the high-risk groups have had the opportunity to be vaccinated and should not delay in seeking medical treatment if they develop symptoms of influenza. They definitely need the annual flu shot right now. 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Safety We expect the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. CDC expects that any serious side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. The CDC and FDA closely monitor the safety of seasonal influenza and other vaccines licensed for use in the United States in cooperation with state and local health departments, healthcare providers, and other partners. Influenza Vaccine Is Safe and Effective. Influenza vaccination is the most effective intervention for reducing the impact of influenza. Studies have shown seasonal influenza vaccination is associated with a 72% reduction in hospitalizations and death in persons with diabetes 18 to 64 years. A pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine should also be part of a diabetes management plan. Check with your health care provider. Vaccine FAQs How many doses of the H1N1 vaccine are required? Children under the age of 10 years should receive two doses of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. CDC recommends that the two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine be separated by 4 weeks. However, if the second dose is separated from the first dose by at least 21 days, the second dose can be considered valid. Can patients who are allergic to eggs receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine? Persons who have had symptoms such as hives or swelling of the lips or tongue, or who have experienced acute respiratory distress after eating eggs, should consult a physician for appropriate evaluation to help determine if influenza vaccine should be administered. Can individuals with a latex allergy receive the vaccine? Information about immunization for individuals with a allergy to latex can be found on the package insert for the vaccine. Multi-dose vial rubber stoppers and syringe plunger tips may contain a small amount of latex. Ask individuals what type of reaction they have to latex. Can contacts of people with weakened immune systems get the nasal-spray flu vaccine? People who are in contact with others with severely weakened immune systems when they are being cared for in a protective environment (for example, people with hematopoietic stem cell transplants), should not get the nasal spray vaccine, including the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine if they will come into contact with the severely immunocompromised person within 7 days of vaccination [lb3] . People who have contact with others with lesser degrees of immunosuppression (for example, people with diabetes, people with asthma taking corticosteroids, or people infected with HIV) can get the nasal spray vaccine. Antiviral Medication Information Take antiviral drugs if your doctor says you need them. On September 8, 2009, CDC issued updated recommendations for the use of antiviral drugs in the treatment and prevention of influenza. This guidance is available at http:// www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ recommendations.htm. A Question & Answer document is posted at http:// www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ antiviral.htm. Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1 infection Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. Anti-viral drugs may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current pandemic, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness (for example hospitalized patients) and people who are sick who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications. This includes people with diabetes. They should seek early medical evaluation as antiviral medications work best if started within 2 days of symptom onset. The general public should understand that the priority use for influenza antiviral medications this season is to treat severe influenza illness (for example hospitalized patients) and people who are sick or who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu- related complications. How does diabetes affect how I respond to a cold or flu?? Being sick by itself can raise your blood glucose. Moreover, illness can prevent you from eating properly, which further affects blood glucose. In addition, diabetes can make the immune system more vulnerable to severe cases of the flu. People with diabetes who come down with the flu may become very sick and may even have to go to a hospital. You can help keep yourself from getting the flu by getting a flu shot every year. Everyone with diabetes— even pregnant women—should get a yearly flu shot. The best time to get one is between October and mid-November, before the flu season begins.