If you live with a long-term health condition, like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or cancer you know how it can affect your health. But you may not realize that conditions like these can make you more likely to get really sick from the flu.
For you, getting a flu shot every year is especially important. It gives you strong protection against a disease that could be hard to manage.
Why can the flu be more dangerous if you already have a health condition?
“If you have a chronic illness, your body has a harder time fighting off infections like the flu,” said Gerardo Gomez Abundis, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Banner - University Medicine.
“For people living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, COPD, kidney disease or autoimmune disorders, the flu can quickly become serious,” Dr. Abundis said.
Getting sick with the flu could increase your risk of:
- Pneumonia
- Existing conditions getting worse
- Breathing problems
- Blood sugar that’s out of range
- Hospital stays
- Recovering more slowly from other illnesses or procedures
- Death
Getting your flu shot is one of the simplest ways to reduce these risks. “Getting vaccinated helps protect you from becoming severely sick, lowers your chance of ending up in the hospital and can even save your life,” Dr. Abundis said.
Flu and heart health
The flu can hit people with heart disease, high blood pressure or a history of stroke especially hard. It can strain your heart and circulation, which may raise your risk for heart attack or stroke.
[Learn more about “The Surprising Reasons Flu Shots Matter When You Have Heart Disease”]
Flu and diabetes
For people with diabetes, getting sick can make blood sugar go up and down in ways that are tough to control.
Flu and cancer
If you’re going through cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation, your immune system may not be as strong as usual. This makes it harder for your body to fight off the flu and other infections. Even a mild case of the flu can be dangerous if your white blood cell count is low or you’re recovering from chemotherapy.
The flu shot is safe for most cancer patients and cancer survivors. You should talk to your health care provider about the best time to get vaccinated against the flu.
Flu and asthma or COPD
Flu can trigger inflammation, make it harder for you to breathe and raise your risk of pneumonia.
Flu and kidney disease or autoimmune disorders
Having kidney disease means your body won’t handle the flu as well as it should. Since autoimmune disorders impair your immunity, they can lead to complications from flu.
What does the flu shot do for you?
“The flu shot teaches your immune system how to recognize and fight the flu virus,” Dr. Abundis said. Every year’s shot is updated to protect against the most common flu viruses.
The flu vaccine might not always prevent you from getting the flu entirely, but it can:
- Reduce how sick you get if you do get the flu
- Help avoid serious complications
- Lower your chances of having to be in the hospital
- Help keep your treatment plans, like medications or therapies, on track
- Protect others around you who may also be high risk
You can often get your flu shot at the same time as other vaccines, including RSV and COVID-19. Ask your provider about what’s best for your health.
When and where should you get your flu shot if you have a chronic condition?
“The best time to get your flu shot is early in the flu season, typically between late September and October. But even if you miss this window, getting vaccinated later is still helpful and strongly recommended,” Dr. Abundis said.
You can get your flu shot at:
- Some health care provider’s offices
- Pharmacies
- Urgent care centers
- Community flu clinics or health events
If you aren’t sure where to go or when to get your vaccine, ask your primary care provider for advice.
How else can you stay healthy during flu season?
A flu shot is a good start, but you can do more to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands often
- Stay away from people who are sick
- Keep your regular medical appointments
- Make sure you’re taking medication and following treatment plans for your chronic condition
- Call your doctor if you start to feel sick — especially if you have a cough, fever or trouble breathing
- Set a calendar reminder for your yearly flu shot
“It’s also important that family members and caregivers of people with chronic conditions get their flu shots. By getting vaccinated, they help protect their loved ones by reducing the chance of spreading the flu,” Dr. Abundis said. “Think of it as creating a safety bubble around those who are most vulnerable.”
Living with a chronic illness means you already do a lot to take care of your health. The flu shot is one more way to protect yourself and stay well through the season. To connect with a health care provider about flu shots and managing your chronic condition, reach out to Banner Health.
Schedule your flu shot online today with Banner Urgent Care.
