News

Diabetic patients urged to have free Flu Vaccine

People with diabetes are being urged to have the flu vaccine to reduce their risk of developing serious complications arising from flu infections.

Complications can include pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, brain and muscle tissues and even multi-organ failure.

Clinicians advise that even patients whose diabetes is well managed should still have the flu vaccine. Individuals with diabetes are around six times more likely to die if they develop flu than people with no underlying health conditions.

Elevated blood glucose levels, which occur as a natural response to fighting infection, can if left untreated become a serious risk to diabetic patients.

Not only can high blood glucose cause symptoms such as tiredness and increased thirst and make it harder for the body to fight infection, it can also increase ketone production, which prevents other areas of the body from functioning properly.

Symptoms of rising ketone levels include vomiting, abdominal pain and shortness of breath. These could be disguised by the flu infection and risk going untreated, which could lead to coma and even death in extreme cases.

Dr Shahed Ahmad, NHS England Medical Director for Hampshire and the Thames Valley said:  “It really is important for patients with diabetes to make sure they have the free flu vaccine. Having the vaccine is the best way of protecting yourself from contracting the flu virus, and to minimise the risk of developing more serious complications.”

Patients with diabetes can have the vaccine free of charge, via their GP surgery or local community pharmacy. Patients should have the vaccine as soon as possible, giving themselves the best chance of immunity before the flu virus begins actively circulating in the community.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors

  1. Many GP Practices hold large flu vaccination clinics. It is best to find out dates and times by checking on practice websites or by telephoning the practice direct.
  2. Participating community pharmacies also offer a service for patients who are eligible for a FREE Flu Vaccine. If you have the vaccination in a pharmacy they will take your details and let your GP Practice know that you have had the vaccination.
  3. NHS England leads the National Health Service (NHS) in England – setting the priorities and direction, encouraging and informing the national debate to improve health and care.
  4. The NHS in England deals with over 1 million patients every 36 hours and employs more than 1.5 million people, putting it in the top five of the world’s largest workforces. NHS England shares out more than £100 billion in funds and holds organisations to account for spending this money effectively for patients and efficiently for the tax payer. It strongly believes in health and high quality care for all, now and for future generations.
  5. Follow us on Twitter: @NHSEnglandSE
  6. Media enquiries to 0113 8249846