Got the flu

[Jon]

My son has the flu. At least thats what the doctor said. You may have read my post earlier about his seizure under the "Parents" section. Ever since then his bg has been totally out of whack. I cut way back on his insulin and he was still having lows. Last Friday he was vomiting so I kept him home from school. I was sick Tuesday, so I assume I caught the flu from him, but by Wednesday I was back to normal. Now it is Thursday, and his symptoms are worse. I took him to the doctor this morning. by 10:30am, he had already thrown up about 12 times.

So here is my question for you seasoned veterans out there. Is it normal with diabetes for flu symptoms to last a week or more? He once had the flu for over 3 weeks. I have never had it for more than 3 days myself. Is this just part of diabetes or should I be pushing the doctors to look for other possible problems?

He doesn't really have any other health problems that I am aware of and he is usually full of energy. But when he does get sick, it seems to take him forever to get over it.

[ERSarahKC]

Diabetics have a weaker immune system that normal people. So it could be the precious Diabetes taking over. or maybe not. It could be a disorder of the digestive system.:(
I know I am not a doctor (hey I'm only 16, but I am taking medical classes!;) ) but I would suggest taking him to as many doctors it takes to get an answer that you'll accept. I have the big D and I catch everything and it lasts for centurys!!! but I'll survive ( it will be 5 years this aug. during band camp!!!)




good luck,


ERSARAHKC


:D

[Harold]

Jon, It was brought up in classes that everything affects diabetics more. They get sick more often and it last longer. Also injuries take longer to heal. Flu shots are necessary and immediate attention to any injury no matter how small.

[Jon]

Thanks Sarah and Harold for the info. The doctors keep telling me that it is normal for a diabetic to take longer to recover, but I like to hear from people who actually experience it. Especially when he has such a weak stomach. This seems like it happens way too often.

[Mick]

Jon--I'd have to disagree on diabetics getting sick more often, or taking longer to heal. I've been type 1 for 38 years. I never get sick, like ever--i can go for 3-4 years without using a single sick day! I worked 10 years at one job and was out a total of 6 times in those 10 years, 4 of them to stay home with sick kids. It is UNCONTROLLED diabetes that makes you prone to more and worse illnesses. I do think that the particular flu going around this year IS really bad--my 11 year old son also got it, and was really sick for over a week--he would have missed 2 whole weeks of school were it not that it was over his spring vacation. He had the vomiting, diarrhea, chest cold, cough, sore throat, etc, and it just hung on him for days and days. I never did get it, but I always get the flu shot.

Michael

[hera]

i believe that dehydration in diabetics makes getting sick last longer and makes it worse.
since i live in arizona, i drink lots of water in the summer and that helps me from getting sick. it took me several years to realize this. i would get dehydrated and end up sick. i have not been sick in years now.
i think when you get the flu and start throwing up, it just makes it worse and i have ended up in the hospital. the first thing you need to do is to control the throwing uup and to keep liquids down to you can get better instead of worse.

[Jon]

I had not considered that, but it makes sense. I try to keep liquids in him when he is sick, but they usually come back up. The doctor finally gave him some medicine that will keep the food down, and he is feeling fine now.