Cold, Flu, & Illness
Along with the cooler weather and colorful leaves of Fall comes the beginning of cold
and flu season. Traditionally, October and November are the months to get
vaccinated against the flu, a potentially deadly and highly contagious disease.
But flu season can last as late as May.
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. For people with diabetes, this illness can impair the immune system and cause serious complications. People with diabetes who develop the flu are also at a high risk for developing pneumonia. They are also three times more likely to die from influenza or pneumonia than people who don't have diabetes. They are also six times more likely to be hospitalized due to flu complications. For these reasons, everyone with diabetes should get a flu immunization as soon as the annual vaccine becomes available.
The following information was last reviewed for updates 11/10/11.