Sponsored content provided by Sanofi Pasteur
Getting the flu is no fun: your body aches all over, and you just can’t get out of bed. The flu stresses out the body, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike out of control.
But did you know that the flu can go beyond just high blood sugars (hyperglycemia)?
Persistently increased blood sugars can affect the immune system and increase the frequency of flu infections. Patients with diabetes are at higher risk of serious influenza-related complications, hospitalizations or even death. These can include complications such as bronchitis, worsening of chronic heart disease, pneumonia, and sinus and ear infections.
People with diabetes frequently have other chronic diseases, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), hypertension and renal disease, that put them at high risk for influenza-related complications or hospitalization.
Diabetes Canada and The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommend that all individuals with diabetes get the flu shot. NACI also recommends the same for your close contacts. The flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu and also helps protect those who are vulnerable to serious illness.
The good news is that there is a high-dose vaccine that is specially formulated for adults 65 and older. FLUZONE® High-Dose is 24% more effective than FLUZONE® standard dose, and is covered for the 2019-2020 flu season by Ontario Public Health. Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Prince Edward Island offer the high dose vaccine to those living in long-term care facilities.
Help protect yourself and your loved ones. Get the flu shot today!
As with all vaccines, FLUZONE® High-Dose does not protect 100% of people immunized. Allergic reactions can occur. The most common side effects are pain at the injection site and muscle ache. Find out more at www.fluzone.ca.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the sponsor, and do not necessarily reflect those of Diabetes Canada.