Should cancer patients and their families get the flu shot?

With the flu season beginning this month, it’s important for families of cancer patients to get answers to this question as soon as possible. Cancer (and onco-therapies) weaken the immune system, so patients become more susceptible than the healthy individual in catching viral and bacterial diseases.

Family members and patients are first advised to seek their doctor’s advise and talk about your options for the type of vaccine administered, i.e., a flu shot or the nasal spray.

Via Grandrounds, Cindy King of the Healthline blog Cancer Treatment and Survivorship offers the following guidelines:

Individuals who have weakened immune systems may get sicker if they get the flu than normal healthy individuals. They may even have to be hospitalized. This can be very serious because your body may not be able to fight off the flu virus. Thus, most individuals with cancer (especially if you are undergoing treatment) should receive the flu shot each year.

The best time to get the flu shot is NOW (October or November). You want to receive the flu shot well before January. The shot will usually protect you from the flu for 2 weeks after the shot and up to a year. Even if you have your health care provider gives you a flu shot you can still catch the flu, but getting the shot will reduce the chances of getting the flu and will reduce symptoms if you do get the flu.

Family members are also advised to get vaccinated to protect your patient. But again, discussing with your health provider is your first agenda.

More details on the topic here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Tags: seasonal flu, vaccine, cancer, immune systerm, bacterial diseases, viral diseases, treatment