I have a chronic medical condition. What should I do?

People with Chronic Conditions & their Caregivers

People with chronic medical conditions are at a greater risk of complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, dehydration, or even death. Chronic health conditions lessen your body’s ability to fight off infection.

You are high risk for developing these complications, and therefore, should get vaccinated against seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu viruses, if you have:

• Asthma
• Neurological and neuro-developmental conditions, including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury.
• Chronic lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart disease, such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease
• Blood disorders like sickle cell disease
• Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Metabolic disorders, such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders.
• Weakened immune system due to disease or medication, such as people with HIV or AIDS, cancer or those on chronic steroids
• People under 19 who receive long-term aspirin therapy

If you have a chronic medical condition during a flu outbreak, you should:

• Get a written record of the kind of chronic disease(s) you have and the treatment you are receiving. Keep this information with you at all times

• Prepare a typed or printed list of all medications usually taken and the times of day they are taken. Also include necessary medical supplies or equipment such as syringes, strips, lancets if you have diabetes, or oxygen if you have COPD

• Keep the name, phone number, and office address of your doctor or health care provider with you at all times

• If you use medications for your condition, continue taking those medications even if you become sick with the flu, unless your doctor or health care provider says otherwise.

• Be alert to changes in your breathing, especially if you have heart failure, congestive heart disease or COPD. Promptly report changes to your doctor or health care provider. Inform family members or close friends of your medical condition(s)

More information, including what someone with a chronic condition should do to prepare for this flu season.

Caring for Someone Sick at Home

2009 H1N1 Flu Information for People with Disabilities and Their Caregivers or Personal Assistants

2009 H1N1 and People with HIV/AIDS

2009 H1N1 and People with Diabetes

2009 H1N1 and People with Asthma

Cancer, the Flu, and You

2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu: Interim Guidance for Adults with Cardiovascular Disease

Prevention Of Pneumococcal Infections Secondary To Seasonal And 2009 H1N1 Influenza