Introduction

In 1918, a flu called Spanish flu ravaged the world affecting about 33% of the world’s population.¹ This flu was so deadly that there were strict rules and regulations for the people in other to curtail its spread. Several people above 65 years, and children below 5 years were at the top of the list of people affected by this Spanish flu. By the end of 1919, it was concluded that the cause of this flu was an influenza virus. So a major highlight of this article will be related to the relationship between influenza and diabetes. Let's begin by looking at what influenza is all about

Definition of Influenza

Influenza also known as influenza flu is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract which can happen in either the upper or lower respiratory tract.² Whenever influenza affects a person, it comes with different symptoms which can range from general body weakness to pain in the body, fever, sore throat, and unproductive cough. Because influenza is an infection that affects the respiratory tract, it tends to spread easily between people when an affected person coughs. Influenza is highly contagious  So one of the best ways to prevent influenza is through appropriate vaccination, we shall be discussing that in full detail later in this article. 

Types of Influenza Virus

• Influenza virus A
• Influenza virus B

Signs and Symptoms of Influenza Flu

• Cough
• Fever
• Stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Sore throat

These symptoms can vary in individuals based on the level of the body's immunity as of the time they come close to the virus. 

Who is prone to devastating symptoms?

• Children under the age of five (5)
• Adult above 65 years
• Pregnant women
• People with compromised immune system
• People with severe illness

Mode of spreading

• Through droplets from someone affected when they cough or sneeze
• The virus can also be found on surfaces 

How communicable is the infection?

• People with the flu can be infectious for about 3-7 days of exhibiting the infection.
• People with compromised immune systems can be more than this period.

Definition of Diabetes

Diabetes, also referred to as Diabetes Mellitus in the medical field is a bodily disorder that affects the metabolic ability of the body to digest or break down glucose leading to an excess of it in the body which could ultimately affect the normal functioning of an individual. For the body to break down glucose, it needs insulin to do so. An understanding of diabetes will reveal that it is either the insulin produced by the body is not enough to break down available glucose or the body is not maximising the available insulin to perform the job. This will project us to the types of diabetes that exist:

• Type I diabetes: In this scenario, the body is unable to produce enough insulin for its glucose consumption. This type can also be referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. 
• Type II diabetes: In this scenario, the body is unable to respond to insulin though it's available in the body. This type is referred to as insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus.

Another common type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This usually occurs during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. So people with a history of diabetes have a high chance of developing diabetes when they get pregnant. 

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Severe symptoms can be:
  • Unhealing wound
  • Headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Blurry vision

Risk Factors for Diabetes

• Obesity
• Family-history
• Lack of physical activity
• Poor diet
• Stress
• Pregnancy

The interconnection between Influenza and Diabetes

In 1935 Leonard Thompson, the first patient in the world to receive insulin, died in an oxygen tent at age 27. The cause of death was staphylococcal pneumonia complicating a respiratory infection, most likely influenza.³ 

Influenza virus has been linked to a type of diabetes called type I diabetes mellitus. Research has proven that people with type I diabetes have a 30% higher rate of transferring the influenza virus during their first 180 days as compared with someone without the virus.⁴ This makes it very contagious during this incumbent period for people around such a person. 

How can Influenza Affect Diabetes?

• Influenza medication can increase the blood sugar level more. And you would agree with me that this is not what a diabetic patient needs because they have high glucose in their body already. 
• The influenza flu can also lead to a condition known as hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). In this state, extremely high glucose levels cause severe dehydration as the body attempts to adjust. This condition is a life-threatening emergency.

In my honest opinion, it is necessary for a person affected by the flu to always check their blood sugar level for any spike. 

Managing influenza flu in diabetics safely?

• Begin antiviral medication if found on time: Influenza as discussed earlier is a viral infection of the respiratory system. Taking antiviral medications early in the course of influenza can help decrease the severity of the illness, reduce the likelihood of hospitalization, and lower the risk of death. It is important to reach out to your doctor as soon as possible to determine your eligibility to take antiviral medicines. To be most effective, antivirals are expected to be taken early enough when the symptoms start like within 48 hours into the onset of the symptoms.
• Monitor your symptoms: Most symptoms can be managed with; Plenty of rest, regular paracetamol and ibuprofen to relieve pain and fevers as needed (children under 16 years of age must not be given aspirin-containing medications) and staying hydrated with regular sips of water.
• Stay at home: If you have the flu, stay home and avoid close contact with others. Keep sick children away from school and other activities. To avoid infecting others, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever has resolved and until you are feeling well. This is particularly crucial if you interact with individuals at higher risk of severe illness, such as pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those in hospitals, residential aged care, or disability care facilities.
• Know when to get help: If you get any of the following symptoms call for emergency immediately and tell the ambulance staff you could have flu.
  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
  • Chest pain or pressure lasting longer than ten minutes
  • Confusion or sudden dizziness
  • Persistent vomiting

Summary

It is expedient to understand that influenza can complicate diabetes and heighten blood sugar levels. We can look briefly into the definition of both diabetes and influenza flu, their signs and symptoms, the types of diabetes that exist and an explanation of the types. Having looked at the connection between influenza and diabetes, we also considered possible ways to manage influenza in a diabetic patient. 

I would conclude by saying, a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent both diabetes and influenza. Proper hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are habits I want you to cultivate. Rather than wait for illnesses to come and combat, it is important you begin now.

FAQs

Is diabetes curable?

Depending on the type that you have, you can always manage diabetes 

Is Influenza flu curable?

Yes. You need to be able to identify you have the flu first, then begin antiviral medication to treat it.

Are influenza and diabetes communicable?

Influenza is a communicable disease while diabetes is a non-communicable disease

I have been having some unusual symptoms, what should I do?

Kindly contact your general physician on time to identify the root cause of the symptoms

Can you manage influenza flu by yourself?

No. As much as you should isolate yourself, it is important you inform people around you of your present condition

I have been having frequent urination, could be diabetes?

Not yet, you can not conclude that is the case. Make sure you do the necessary tests within the hospital as recommended by your general physician.

I have been having some of the influenza symptoms mentioned, what is my fate?

Reach out for emergency contact on time so that you can be examined by a Doctor. The earlier you start the medication, the better

Can vaccination help against influenza?

Yes. Get vaccinated