Publication Date: 5/29/2006
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I have type 1 diabetes, and I usually get a flu shot in the fall. However, it is now spring, and I still haven't gotten one. Could my current state of having a minor cold with sore throat symptoms be the result of my not getting the flu shot? How will my health be affected/altered by this one missed shot?Answer
"Flu shots" are for influenza, which is an entirely separate disorder from the common cold. So, missing a flu shot is not expected to have any effect on the minor colds that we all get.So, you got lucky this past winter, without getting influenza. Plan to get back on track, getting a flu shot this coming autumn (or sooner if you plan to visit the Southern hemisphere, where flu season is now coming up!).
