Diabetes Health Type 1 & 2: What to Do if You Think You Have the Flu Symptoms

Be Aware of the Flu Symptoms

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of influenzas. According to the Centers for Disease Control, they can include:
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Some people may also have vomiting

Consult Your Doctor

Your physician may want to start an antiviral medication to reduce the risk of complications from influenza. These drugs can also reduce the duration of illness by a day or so, but they are most effective when they are started within 48 hours after symptoms begin.
There are now several rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) that are commercially available, meaning getting tested can be as simple as going to your local pharmacy.

There are three FDA- approved influenza antiviral drugs recommended by the CDC. The brand names for these drugs are Tamiflu (generic name oseltamivir). Relenza (generic name zanamivir), and Rapivab (generic name peramivir). Tamiflu is available as a pill or liquid. Relenza is a powder that is inhaled; it is not recommended for people with breathing difficulties such as asthma or COPD. Rapivab is administered intravenously by a medical professional.

Ask Your Pharmacist Before Taking Any Over The-Counter Medications

Some OTC medicines, such as cough syrups, contain sugar, which can affect blood glucose levels. Reading the label isn’t enough, Bischoff says, because it’s not always possible to recognize which ingredients are which. You’re always better o asking the pharmacist to help you and products that are safe for people with diabetes.

Monitor Fluid and Food Intake

You may not feel like eating if you don’t feel well, but for people with diabetes
it’s especially important to stay hydrated and to try to get at least a few carbs into your system on a regular basis, according to the CDC. If you’re not able to take in
the same amount of carbohydrates as in your normal diet, you may need to talk to your doctor about adjusting your diabetes medication.

Certified diabetes educator Kris Bischoff at Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Ind., advises people with diabetes to pack a food kit for sick days, “almost like a lunch box that you could keep up on the shelf.” When you’re sick, you probably won’t feel like going out to buy special supplies.