Diabetes: How to Prevent or Fight Off the Flu?

The flu can be dangerous for anyone, especially those who have diabetes. This is why there is so much research on how diabetics can prevent or fight off the flu. If you are taking care of an elderly loved one who has diabetes, take these tips to heart. Use them to help your loved one prevent or fight off the flu.

Getting a Flu Shot
The number one thing that is recommended for diabetics when it comes to the flu is getting a flu shot. Flu vaccines should be gotten once a year. If your loved one contracts the flu after getting a flu shot, it should be a milder flu. Many people are fearful of getting the flu shot, but in all reality, it is much safer for diabetics to get the vaccine than not to get it. This is because many diabetics, when getting the flu, will develop pneumonia, as well. To prevent all of this, you or your loved one’s caregivers should take them to get a flu shot.

Sick Day Plans
It is important for your loved one to speak with their doctor about what they can do if they start getting sick. The better the plan is, the more likely your loved one will be able to prevent the flu. There might be specific medications their doctor wants them to take if they start getting sick. You or your loved one’s caregivers can attend these appointments with them, so you know what the plan is going to be.

Blood Glucose Level Check
If your loved one does get sick and they have diabetes, it is important that they check their blood glucose levels every day while they are sick. They need to keep these in check and being sick can throw them off. This is something that should be taken very seriously. If your loved one’s blood glucose levels aren’t stable, they could become very ill.

Staying Hydrated
Keeping hydrated is another way to prevent and fight off the flu. This is important for everyone, including diabetics. Those with diabetes need to be consuming drinks that are sugar-free or regular most of the time. However, sometimes a sweetened drink might be essential. The timing of these drinks should be talked about with your loved one’s doctor. Dehydration can be extremely bad for diabetics. Make sure your loved one is getting enough fluids.

These are some of the tips for how your loved one with diabetes can prevent or fight off the flu. Help them to stay healthy by following through with these tips today and every day.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elderly Care in San Francisco, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855

Sources
Cdc.gov
Hhs.gov

Andy Howard CEO at HomeCare Professionals

Andy Howard is a Bay Area Native who holds a BA in Political Science (University of Colorado at Boulder, ’97). After college Andy worked in the surging tech industry. His Grandmother however, would suffer a significant decline in health and ultimately needed in-home care. The experience of a loved one depending on outside help to age in place proved to be pivotal for Andy as he left the tech industry in 2002 for an opportunity in the home care world with a large provider. After having success in home care, but being frustrated by corporate constraints Andy founded HomeCare Professionals in 2005. He methodically built the company one client at a time by focusing on hiring quality caregivers to ensure positive outcomes. Currently Andy serves as the CEO of HomeCare Professionals and is also highly active in the non-profit organization California Association of Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) which advocates for a higher standard of in-home care for those who wish to remain living at home in California.

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