Living with a Chronic Disease? Here's Why You Should Get Your Annual Flu Shot ASAP

The flu can knock otherwise healthy people off their feet, so if you’re dealing with a chronic illness, it hits you even harder. Here’s why you need to protect yourself from the virus this flu season.

It’s flu season again, a time that often strikes fear in those with chronic illnesses.

Don’t panic. The flu shot can protect you from the severe consequences of coupling the flu virus with other health conditions.

At Leading MDs in Goodyear, Tempe, Sun City, and Mesa, Arizona, our experienced team of physicians and health care professionals offers medication management, preventive care, and internal medicine services to keep your chronic conditions under control.

The flu vaccine is the first step toward that goal, and here’s why.

The high stakes of flu for chronic disease patients

You already know that managing your chronic disease requires constant vigilance, but you should also know that the flu season adds another layer of concern because chronic conditions can significantly increase your risk of flu-related complications.

According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, people with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and lung conditions are more likely to be hospitalized due to flu infections.

Increased risk of hospitalization

The study highlights that chronic disease patients are at a higher risk of severe flu complications. Hospitalization rates are dramatically higher for those with diabetes, heart disease, or lung conditions compared to those without these ailments.

Complications beyond the flu

While most people recover from the flu within a few days, you could face severe complications if you have pre-existing conditions, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or chronic sinus infections.

For instance, if you have asthma, the flu can exacerbate your symptoms and trigger an asthma attack.

If you have diabetes, you may struggle to control your blood sugar levels, and if you have heart disease, your condition could worsen.

The impact on your immune system

Chronic disease weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight infections like the flu virus. Contracting the flu while dealing with a compromised immune system could make the illness last longer and worsen the symptoms.

The benefits of the flu shot

Getting your flu shot offers several advantages if you live with a chronic condition.

Preventing severe illness

The flu vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu. Even if you get sick, the vaccine can make your symptoms milder and shorter.

Reducing complications

Vaccinated people are less likely to experience severe flu-related complications, have fewer asthma attacks, have better blood sugar control, and have a lower risk of heart disease flare-ups.

Community immunity

When more people get vaccinated, the flu virus is reduced in the community. This concept, known as herd immunity, protects the most vulnerable, including people with chronic diseases.

Don’t risk your health when avoiding the flu is so easy. Call Leading MDs and schedule your flu shot today.