2009 H1N1 and People with Diabetes

January 20, 2010 1:00 PM ET

People with diabetes are at increased risk for severe disease and complications, such as hospitalization and death, from both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu.  CDC recommends that all people with all types of diabetes who are 6 months and older get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 with a flu shot.  This includes people 65 years and older. People with diabetes who are 6 months and older, are recommended to get a seasonal flu shot.

They should not get the get the nasal spray flu vaccine.  In addition to getting vaccinated, people with diabetes should take everyday precautions for protecting against the flu.  

People with diabetes with suspected or confirmed 2009 H1N1 infection should be treated promptly with antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).  You should also follow a diabetes management plan, including sick day guidelines, developed with your doctor.

• Information About 2009 H1N1 Vaccines
  
• Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine
  
• Questions & Answers: Antiviral Drugs 2009-10 Flu Season
  
• People with Diabetes and 2009 H1N1
• Flu information for People with Diabetes and Caregivers of People with Diabetes
  
• CDC Feature: Living with Diabetes
  
• Sick Day Guidelines
  
• Pneumococcal Vaccine
  
• CDC Diabetes Web site
  
• CDC Obesity and Overweight Web site
  
• People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications