We are anticipating a busy flu season this winter. The Riley Diabetes Team recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for all of our patients. The flu can make diabetes management very difficult and can result in emergency room visits or hospitalization. Every member of the family should receive the vaccine as well.
Your child can get the flu vaccine at their primary doctor’s office as soon as it is offered (Sept/Oct). Check with your primary doctor’s office or your local county health department for availability. You may also get the vaccine for your child when they visit their endocrinologist in the Riley Outpatient Center.
Signs and symptoms of influenza include:
- High fever (greater than 101, with rapid onset)
- Severe cough
- Body aches
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea
For more information on seasonal or H1N1 flu, check the CDC website at cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
*Parents: Please save this letter. It may be required for your primary doctor or health department to give the vaccines.