H1N1 (Swine Flu) and Diabetes – Don’t Take Any Chances!

The H1N1 virus, or “swine flu” pandemic, has been one of the most talked about issues in healthcare in the past year – it first came to light in spring, 2009. Vaccines specifically addressing the H1N1 virus will become available in late October or early November – and from what we understand, they will be in high demand, as concern over the virus is increasing again. The vaccine will be in short supply, at least initially, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a statement that gives priority to certain groups of people who are susceptible to complications from the flu. In a recent conversation with the CDC, we discovered that people with diabetes are considered to be in this high-priority group. The CDC recommends that people with diabetes always take the seasonal flu shot, and that the H1N1 vaccination is particularly important. We thought this issue had blown over, but not at all – so go ask your healthcare team how to get on the list if you have diabetes. And, by the way – the new more exact term is H1N1, not swine flu, as the pork industry took offense.

Note that the H1N1 vaccination procedure is different from flu vaccinations you may have had in the past. The H1N1 vaccination consists of TWO injections, separated by three weeks. You must receive both injections to ensure that you are optimally protected from the virus.

For more information on the flu virus for people with diabetes, visit the CDC’s web page at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/diabetes/diabetes_factsheet.htm

For information on the H1N1 vaccination, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm