### Why Flu Shots are Crucial for People with Diabetes During a Pandemic Many diabetes doctors and care specialists have noticed an increase in questions from patients about flu shots, especially due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Their advice is clear: getting the flu vaccine is more important than ever for people with diabetes (PWDs). The flu can weaken the immune system, causing blood sugar levels to fluctuate and increase, which can heighten the risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing severe symptoms. Statistics show that the general public may not be prioritizing flu shots as much as they should. A survey from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital found that only 1 in 3 parents believe it’s more important to get a flu shot this year, and nearly 1 in 3 won’t vaccinate their children for the season. Health experts warn of a potential “twindemic” of both COVID-19 and flu. For PWDs, getting a flu shot is critical. Davida Kruger, a nurse practitioner and diabetes care specialist, emphasizes that people with diabetes should avoid additional health challenges. The CDC also highlights the importance of flu vaccines for those with chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. The American Diabetes Association recommends that PWDs and their families get a flu shot and a pneumonia vaccine each year. While the flu vaccine may not be 100% effective, it can reduce the severity of the illness if contracted. Flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be life-threatening, especially for those with diabetes. During the 2017-18 flu season, 80,000 Americans died, and nearly 1 million were hospitalized. The best way to fight the flu is to avoid getting it, and vaccination is a key preventive measure. Flu vaccines come in two main types: inactivated (killed) and attenuated (weakened). Inactivated vaccines are made from dead viruses, which can’t make you sick but help your immune system recognize and fight the virus. Attenuated vaccines contain live but weakened viruses, which can cause mild illness but strengthen the immune system. The CDC recommends injectable dead-virus flu shots for PWDs due to their long-established safety record. While the nasal spray version is not prohibited, it is not recommended for people with chronic conditions like diabetes. In addition to flu shots, the CDC and major diabetes organizations recommend pneumonia vaccines for PWDs. Everyone older than 6 months should get a flu shot to prevent the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations. Flu shots can cause mild side effects like arm pain, body aches, and mild fever, but these are signs that the vaccine is working. It’s important to manage any blood sugar spikes with fast-acting insulin or other medications. Getting vaccinated early in the fall is ideal, but it’s beneficial to get the flu shot at any time during the flu season. For PWDs, it’s crucial to reduce the risks of hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) caused by flu and COVID-19. Flu vaccines are widely available at primary care offices and pharmacies. The pneumonia vaccine requires a prescription from a doctor.