Worth a (Swine Flu) Shot
Influenza (flu) season in the U.S. lasts from approximately November through March, and sometimes into early spring. According to health experts, anyone with a chronic illness like diabetes should be vaccinated against the flu, including the H1N1 virus, also called swine flu. People with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing pneumonia. A vaccine for the most common form of pneumonia is safe to have along with a flu vaccine, and the administration of all three vaccines (seasonal flu, H1N1 and pneumonia) is covered by Medicare Part B. Caution: Speak with your health care provider before getting these shots; some people shouldn’t be vaccinated.
Not sure where to get a flu shot? Ask your health care provider. Many communities also offer free or discounted opportunities to receive the vaccine. Because flu viruses vary from year to year, it’s important to get a shot annually. Flu vaccines do not contain a live virus, so you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. If you do develop the flu even though you were vaccinated, the shot will still help prevent lower respiratory tract involvement or other secondary complications.
If you have questions, be sure to ask your doctor. You can also check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov/flu or the American Diabetes Association at Diabetes.org.
For more information about flu vaccines, see our story A Shot of Health.
- Published:
- 10 November 2009
- | Author:
- Randi Kravitz
- | Photo Credit:
- ©iStockphoto.com/JurgaR
