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Diabetes Q&A | Other | is it necessary for me to get the H1N1
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The Question

10/20/09 07:24 PM

"is it necessary for me to get the H1N1 vaccine? "
Asked By: myangelbaby  
Category: Other

Background Info Hide
n/a

Expert Answers (1)

10/24/09 03:49 PM

Hello MyAngelBaby: Thanks for asking dLife, however, there are other factors that would influence my recommendation. While, getting the vaccine is "highly recommended for chronic diseases," such as diabetes, please review the CDC.gov website, several other things must be considered.
  • Have you had allergic reactions to flu immunizations in the past?
  • What has your PCP/Endocrinologist suggested, who knows your personal health status the best?
  • Are you exposed to high risk areas/population? I.E. school areas, crowds, coughs, sneezes, public bathrooms
  • Do you have a sick day plan?
  • Know to call your doc when the glucose stays above 250mg/dl or below 60mg/dl
  • How often to check for ketones or check blood glucose during illness......
  • Diabetes tends to make you more susceptible to viruses, the hyper-metabolic response of illness makes maintaining normal blood glucose levels during illness especially difficult.

    The controversy around the vaccine is compelling, I would suggest you make a list of 'Pros' and 'Cons', and decide from there.

    Continue to be your best :

  • A1c<7%
  • BP<130/80
  • Tchol<200
  • LDL<100
  • HDL>40 for man and >50 for women
  • no smoking
  • 150 minutes of activity per wk/per/PCP OK. Regards Sue
    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

    Community Answers (1)

    10/30/09 07:28 PM

    I thought Susan Throop's answer was very good, I had expected the "pat" answer of YES. I am a long term type 1 and I never get the flu vaccine and do not plan to get this Mexican Flu (H1N1) one either. I have always been very healthy, mostly due to my having diabetes, I believe; or in other words, I take care of myself. In the past 20 years or so I've gotten the flu twice and came through it just fine, aside from feeling awful for about a week. This is an individual decision that only you can make, depending on your general health. Pat, type 1 for over 47 years
    Answered By: trekker
    FLAG
    SourcesShow



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