Holidays can be stressful, joyful, or a combination of the two. Maintaining your health is one method to help guarantee more joy and less stress. For this reason, the CDC advises maintaining current vaccinations to help guard against respiratory diseases, such as the flu. An yearly flu shot can lower your risk of contracting the illness and lessen its symptoms if you do.
Children and adults with certain chronic medical illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or a history of stroke, are particularly vulnerable to significant flu-related consequences and should get vaccinated against the flu. Approximately 90% of hospitalized flu patients during the 2023–2024 flu season had at least one chronic illness. Even when well controlled, several pre-existing chronic medical illnesses can worsen due to flu. Additionally, individuals with chronic illnesses are historically undervaccinated despite having an increased risk of catastrophic flu consequences.
In what ways can a chronic illness raise your chance of contracting the flu? Learn more about the importance of being vaccinated against the flu to safeguard your health and holiday cheer:
People with asthma and the flu
Asthma sufferers are more likely to experience complications from the flu. Due to increased lung and airway inflammation, flu can both cause and exacerbate asthma symptoms. After contracting the flu, those with asthma are more likely than those without asthma to suffer pneumonia.
Flu and those with a history of stroke or heart disease
Approximately 50% of adults hospitalized for flu in previous seasons had cardiac disease. Flu-related illnesses have been linked to an increase in heart attacks and strokes, according to studies. Furthermore, those who have had a stroke or have heart disease are more likely to experience severe flu-related complications.
Diabetes patients and the flu
Flu can affect diabetes management by making blood sugar control more difficult. During recent flu seasons, almost 30% of patients admitted to hospitals had diabetes.
Take precautions against the flu today.
The best defense against the flu is a flu vaccine, which can help reduce the severity of flu disease. Given that flu activity often peaks in February and can last into May, now is a perfect time to be vaccinated. Find out how to prevent flu by talking to your healthcare professional and learning more about flu and chronic diseases.
