PEOPLE diagnosed with diabetes are being urged to have a jab to reduce the risk of catching flu and potentially developing serious complications.

Complications can include pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, brain, muscle tissues and organ failure.

A patient’s elevated blood glucose level, which occurs as a natural response to fighting infection, can, if left untreated, also become a serious risk to diabetic patients, with potentially fatal consequences.

Clinicians’ advise that even patients whose diabetes is well managed and under control should still have the flu vaccine.

Nicola Decker, North Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group chairman, said: “It really is important for patients with diabetes to make sure they have the flu vaccine.

“Having the vaccine is the best way of protecting yourself from contracting the flu virus, and so minimising the risk of more serious complications that may arise from infection caused by the virus. It’s just not worth the risk of exposing yourself to potentially higher risks of more serious illness.”

Diabetic patients can have the vaccine free of charge, via their GP surgery or local pharmacy. Patients should have the vaccine as soon as possible to give themselves the best chance of immunity before the flu virus begins actively circulating in the community.