It may be hard to believe in the midst of this sweltering summer heat, but flu season is right around the corner.
Because people with diabetes have a higher risk of complications from the flu, it is generally recommended that they receive a flu shot every year. The vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective, and the best time to receive it is at the beginning of September.
Other precautions to prevent the spread of the flu include washing your hands often with soap and water, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue if you cough or sneeze. However, experts note that these measures will not help if you are exposed to the flu virus and stress that the flu shot is the best method for preventing the flu.
To learn more about the flu, including symptoms, treatment, and how to care for someone who has the flu, visit www.flu.gov. And to find a location near you that is offering flu vaccines, type your zip code into the flu vaccine finder.
This blog entry was written by Web Editor Diane Fennell.
