The editor:
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with the flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their nose, eyes or mouth. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to pass on the flu to someone before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu shot each year.
Everyone with diabetes six months of age and older should receive an annual flu shot. It is important to vaccinate everyone with diabetes (as well as their close contacts) since the vaccine prevents serious illness and complications. The Kentucky Department for Public Health reports that only 1/2 of Kentuckians who have diabetes get a flu shot as recommended and that death rate among people with diabetes increase by 5% to 15%.
Your local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would like you to know that it is never too late to get a flu shot. Flu vaccination can continue into December and even later. Experts anticipate more vaccine to be available this year than ever before and the flu season typically does not peak until February, leaving plenty of time to help protect anyone who wants to reduce his or her risk.
Paula White
Chair, Public Awareness Workgroup
Kentucky Diabetes Network
paulah.white@ky.gov
