Now is the time to think about having your annual influenza (flu) jab if you have diabetes. The next time you are in your doctor’s surgery be sure to ask your GP.
The Department of Health recommend that the following groups of people are immunised annually against seasonal flu:
i) all those aged 65 years and over
ii) all those aged 6 months or over in a clinical risk group
iii) those living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities where rapid spread is likely
iv) those who are in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill - at the GP's discretion.
The Department of Health also list a group of clinical risk groups who should have vaccinations which includes people with diabetes. This is because there is a risk of the flu infection exacerbating any underlying disease that a patient may have, as well as the risk of serious illness from influenza itself.
Swine Flu (Influenza A (H1N1)
Added to the worry of getting normal flu this winter, there is also swine flu to be aware of.
Influenza A (H1N1) (swine flu) is a respiratory disease which is spread from human to human by sneezing or coughing, that could lead to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Symptoms include a fever or a high temperature (over 38°C / 100.4°F) plus two or more of the following: unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles and diarrhoea or vomiting.
If you have these symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has had the condition, the advice is to stay at home and contact NHS Direct or the National Pandemic Flu Service, details below.
A National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched along with an information telephone line which is 0800 1 513 513.
More information about flu symptoms is available from NHS Direct. Tel: 0845 4647 in England, NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647.
New vaccines to protect against swine flu have been developed and approved by the European Medicines Agency. They are currently awaiting licensing.
To reduce the impact of swine flu vaccination priority will be given to those at greatest risk from the condition, including people with diabetes. This will be a separate vaccine to the 'standard' flu jab that people with diabetes are advised to have each year. More information to follow.