Flu shot extra important if you have diabetes
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flu-shot-and-diabetes/MY02266
- With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
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Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
Nancy Klobassa Davidson and Peggy Moreland
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., B.S.N, C.D.E
Nancy Klobassa Davidson is a registered nurse who has worked in diabetes education for 17 years. She is a certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.) and is currently in graduate school working on a Master of Science in nursing (M.S.N.) and health care education.Nancy works with adults who have type 1, type 2 and other forms of diabetes. Nancy is coordinator of the Diabetes Unit's intensive insulin therapy program within the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Nancy has worked extensively with insulin pump therapy and continuous interstitial glucose sensing.
Peggy Moreland, R.N., M.S.N.
Peggy Moreland is a certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.) in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.Peggy graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing and Health Care Education from the University of Phoenix and is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association. A certified diabetes educator (C.D.E.), Peggy enjoys working with patients to set and achieve diabetes self-management goals.
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Living with diabetes blog
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Nov. 6, 2012
Flu shot extra important if you have diabetes
By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
For many, fall is a time for raking leaves, sitting around the campfire, picking apples and going to corn mazes and pumpkin patches. But don't forget that fall is also the time to get your flu shot. And if you have diabetes, a flu shot is especially important.
This is because if you have diabetes and get influenza, your blood glucoses rise and your recovery time is generally longer. And people with diabetes are about three times more likely to die from the flu and pneumonia than the general population.
If you do develop the flu, despite getting the flu shot, the vaccine will still help you by lowering the risk of more serious respiratory tract involvement and lessening the risk of secondary complications, hospitalization and death.
Contact your doctor, healthcare provider or local health department for dates, times and locations for flu vaccinations. Both flu and pneumococcal vaccination are covered by Medicare part B. Many employers are making flu vaccination available at the workplace, as well.
Remember, flu shots don't contain a live virus, so they can't infect you. Add flu vaccination to your list of routine fall activities.
In addition to the flu shot, to help prevent catching and spreading the flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow, or use a tissue, when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them if you do get sick.
Enjoy fall, and have a healthy season.
Regards,
Nancy
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