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5 Things People with Disabilities Need
To Know About the Flu

April 8, 2010 10:00 AM ET

  1. The flu can be serious for people with disabilities, if:

  • you have health problems that make it hard for your body to fight off infections.
  • you have lung problems, like asthma or bronchitis
  • you have difficulty walking and moving around
  • you are not able to stay away from people who may be sick with the flu

  • Plan what you will do if you or your caregiver gets the flu.

    • Create a contact list of local family, friends, and local service agencies that can help provide care for you if you or your caregiver gets sick.
    • Make sure that you know at least two ways of staying in touch with people: land-line phone, cell phone, text-messaging, or email.
    • Ask your health care provider or pharmacist whether flu medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) is safe to take with your regular medication.

  • Call your doctor or clinic to get your seasonal flu vaccine and 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine and encourage others to do so as well, including caregivers and family members.

  • Take everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs.

    • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
    • Stay away from people who are sick, or stay home if you are sick.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

  • Call your doctor or clinic if you get sick with a cold, cough, sneeze or fever. This could be the flu and you may need to take antiviral drugs.

    • Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight the flu.
    • Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

     

    Contact Us:
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      1600 Clifton Rd
      Atlanta, GA 30333
    • 800-CDC-INFO
      (800-232-4636)
      TTY: (888) 232-6348
    • Contact CDC-INFO