Hey y’all!
I realize this may come across as kinda preachy, and I promise that’s not my intention, so sorry in advance. But I was recently talking to some PWD about this topic and it made me realize that a lot of people don’t realize its importance, so here goes:
Everyone, if you are at all able, please please please get the flu shot.
I know for some people, myself included, it can cause annoying blood sugar spikes. I know there are plenty of people who don’t think it’s worth it. But seriously, it’s SO important.
Even if you think you can “handle” getting sick with the flu–which, for PWD, is extra dangerous–some people physically cannot. People getting chemotherapy, for instance, can’t get vaccinated. People with conditions compromising their immune systems can’t get vaccinated. And if you carry the flu to them, it could kill them. It’s not worth it, seriously. Getting vaccinated greatly reduces the chances of getting the flu, and even if you do still get sick, it makes the illness far less long and severe. For people like us, for whom illness leads to dangerously high blood sugar, that makes a big difference. But if you’re not willing to do it for yourself, do it for the people who want to be vaccinated but can’t.
Ok that’s all. There’s my little rant for the day. 
“Preachy” or not Abby @bookwormnerd13 , I strongly endorse your recommendation.
I’ll add another incentive from our daughter who for years worked emergency medicine before going into the medical research field; PWD who came into the hospital ER with flu often did not walk out under their own power.
You speak truth!! As a T1D for 30 years, everyone in our household gets the flu shot. Sadly, my youngest got the flu last year anyway, but had a fever and felt bad for only one day. That would not have happened had we not been vaccinated. And everyone else stayed healthy. I wish more people had your attitude!
Do some research first— about how effective/ineffective ,harmless / harmful flu shots are before you are tempted to preach. Your best bet against disease is to wash your hands often, and keep them off your face.
Thank you. It’s irresponsible not to get vaccinated, as you say it puts others who can’t get vaccinated at risk. Of course you should wash your hands as well, but that’s not an end-all be-all. Yes, the vaccines aren’t 100% effective, what is, but it lowers the risk of you getting sick and therefore lowers the risk of you infecting others.
Thank you @bookwormnerd13!! @mkurkov - here’s the research Influenza (Flu) | CDC -
The flu is not just sniffles - it will knock you on your butt for days if not forever. We drive cars with more airbags than ever, put seat belts on, strap our kids into car seats - why? To keep us safe against the possibility of injury. Most days we get home safe and sound — but on the rare day we encounter a situation where we need them - we are grateful! Vaccines are the same. You never know who you’re going to bump into — vaccines help provide a set amount, predetermined exposure which helps your body develop the correct defense to a disease. Your defense may develop strong enough so that you may not get sick at all or you may experience a mild version. The flu is like a truck hitting you. 22 years of Public Health Service and nearly 30 years T1D and Flu Shots, I strongly recommend flu shots as the best defense and tool a PWD can have to get through the flu season. Last year was severe, and this year started right away. Protect yourself, your family, and those who cannot be vaccinated by getting your flu shot - for everything else, wash your hands, cover your cough, and stay home when your sick - not preaching here either - just your tax dollars hard at work at no charge to you because it’s the weekend 