Diabetes and influenza, risky combination that can stop

N. was just 51 years old.The woman died last November, victim of influenza in a Hospital in Guadalajara.It was weeks later, that the diagnosis of Social Security was confirmed by the Ministry of Health Jalisco (SSJ), which is the official spokeswoman for this flu: N. died by influenza ... but it was diabetic, hypertensive and had not been vaccinated.It is not uncommon: diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases are present in up to seven out of ten deaths for influenza registered in state hospitals in the last decade, according to reports consulted.It is undoubtedly one of the groups most vulnerable to viral infection.

"During influenza epidemics there is an increase in hospitalizations and risk of cardiovascular diseases, both to the general population; but particularly in patients with diabetes. In them the risk of dying by influenza between 1.7 and three times compared to patients is increasedNo diabetes, "said Leonardo Mancillas Adame, specialist in endocrinology and metabolism and research professor at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL).

This association between both evils has been found in more than one study.In Jalisco, since 2009 was known when researchers followed the track of the deaths caused by the pandemic that year."The range varies according to the investigation in question, but the increase in risk is constantly identified," said the doctor in an interview with Millennium.

That is why it has tried to evaluate the impact of vaccination.The biological available for several years protects against the main strains of influenza flu viruses: the presentation for this season protects, in a single dose of the AH1N1 virus-which wreaked havoc from 2009 to 2014-, from H3N2 (which is affectingcurrently) and type B influenza.

Leonardo Mancilla responds that there are no studies that determine if there is any relationship between the time they have lived with diabetes and the incidence of influenza, but what is a fact is that those who suffer from chronic diseases have an immune system more vulnerable to the attack ofinfections.Diabetic people, with obesity, hypertension, asthma and renal failure, as well as older adults, children under five and pregnant women, are considered in the risk group by this susceptibility.

"Applying the vaccine has shown that the risk of hospitalization decreases, the risk of infarcts and cardiovascular events related to influenza in patients with diabetes decreases," said Mancilla, who has led and supports the development of basic research programs not sponsored by theindustry in the UANL;and participate in clinical rounds and research programs in progress in the same institution.

There are no contraindications for an adult diabetic person to apply the vaccine- no additional contraindication to the rest of the population.The problem is that the population, in general, does not respond to the call of the health sector to vaccinate with opportunity.Be due to lack of information, because it has no perception of irrigation, due to neglect and especially for unfounded fear.

The specialist clarified that putting the vaccine does not affect at all the development of the base disease (be it diabetes, hypertension or other cardiovascular condition) and on the contrary it protects him from a foreseeable infection.If the person is decompensated in their glucose levels, it also does not affect the effectiveness of the vaccine."We don't have to wait to control the glucose level to vaccinate them," he stressed.

Are you diabetic? ... Empty yourself

Seasonal influenza has two peaks in the year.There is an annual period where the northern hemisphere vaccine is released, in the first week of October, and "it is from October thatYou have the opportunity to prevent, "said Mancilla Adame." The earlier the vaccination is we have an earlier development of the antibodies and a greater opportunity to prevent.Of course, if they are vaccinated late, the risk is still reduced, but it is advisable to be vaccinated as soon as possible, because the development of immunity protects them for longer, "he said.

That immunization protects throughout the year, during the two peaks in which the cases are concentrated.

The vaccine should be administered to both women and men, because there is no difference by gender and must be applied every year because the muta and biological influenza virus changes.Thus maintains its effectiveness."We know that vaccinating year after year is also leaving some memory and the person ends up acquiring greater protection than if he does it in isolation for a year and several years," said the endocrinologist.Even the disease is less severe in those cases that were vaccinated and still had influence.

"Influenza is a predictable disease, which causes a lot of inability and that can lead patients to hospitalizations, cardiac, lung, systemic complications and in some cases to death. Prevention is very simple and the risk benefit is much greater vaccinationversus non -vaccination, "he recommended.

Are you diabetic? ... Empty yourself.Suffering and expenses will be avoided.

KEYS - INFLUENZA AND DIABETES

People with diabetes (type 1 or type 2), even if it is well treated, run high risk of serious influenza complications

In cases of influenza epidemic about 10 percent of deaths are reported.

In 7 out of 10 deaths for influenza there are comorbidities data such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity

In cold seasons acute respiratory infections increase and among them influenza

Currently in Mexico three seasonal viruses circulate: influenza A (H1N1), A (H3N2) and B. This year H3N2 predominates.

Patients with diabetes may have anomalies in immune function or "low defenses", hence the greatest risk of morbidity and mortality from influenza infection.

Patients with diabetes (in particular those with heart and kidney complications) have a high risk of complications, hospitalization and death by influenza.

Therefore, immunization against influenza is an important requirement of prevention, in the treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

The most effective measure to reduce the impact of influenza is to get vaccinated before the season of this infection, every year.

The influenza vaccine contains only non -infectious viruses and cannot cause flu or other respiratory diseases.

The application of the vaccine reduces the cost of human suffering and medical care expenses in people with diabetes.

Source: Jalisco Secretariat of Health/DR.Leonardo Mancillas Adame, specialist in endocrinology and metabolism and research professor at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León/American Diabetes Association.