Flu Shots for Diabetes Patients and Sick Day Guidelines

Should diabetes patients get a flu shot?

If you have diabetes—unless you are allergic to eggs – it is recommended that you get a flu shot every fall. And it’s a good idea for the people you live or spend a lot of time with to also get a flu shot.

Just like everyone else who needs to take precautions to prevent the flu, you are advised to do the following:

• Cover your nose and your mouth when you sneeze.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as it’s the easiest way to spread germs.

• If you get sick, stay home and away from people at work or school.

Diabetes sick day guidelines

The AHN Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Health will help you form a plan if you become ill. Your blood sugar levels can be higher than normal when you're sick, even if you're not eating much.

Additionally, you should go to a doctor or go to an emergency room if any of the following happens to you when you are sick:

• You feel too sick to eat and aren’t able to keep down food for more than 6 hours.

• You have severe diarrhea.

• You experience a sudden weight loss of five pounds or more.

• Your temperature is over 101 degrees F.

• You're having trouble breathing, feel unusually sleepy, or can’t think clearly.

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or request an appointment to learn more about AHN diabetes services.