Flu and People with Disabilities

What to know

  • Flu can be particularly dangerous for people with certain disabilities and medical conditions.
  • People with disabilities and their caregivers should prioritize getting a flu vaccine to reduce risk of flu and serious flu complications.
  • People with disabilities who are at increased risk for serious flu complications should contact their health care provider right away if they get flu symptoms.
  • CDC recommends prompt flu antiviral treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu and who are at higher risk of serious flu complications, which includes many people with disabilities.
Happy multiethnic family. Smiling little girl with disability in wheelchair at home

Disability overview

A disability is any condition of the body or mind that makes daily activities more difficult. It also impacts a person's ability to interact with the world around them. Up to 1 in 4 adults in the United States reports having a disability. There are different types of disabilities, such as those affecting cognition, hearing, mobility, vision, self-care, and independent living. These disabilities may affect a person's thinking, movement, learning, communication, and mental health.

Who's at risk

Flu can be particularly dangerous for people with certain disabilities and medical conditions. This includes those who may struggle with muscle function, lung function, or have difficulty coughing, swallowing, or clearing fluids from their airways. These difficulties increase their risk of developing flu-related complications that could require hospitalization. People with disabilities, such as those with limited mobility, may be at higher risk of getting flu. This is because they cannot reduce contact with others who may be infected, like direct service providers, caretakers, and family members. Some people with disabilities may have trouble understanding or practicing prevention measures for infections like flu. This includes actions like handwashing or avoiding contact with people who are sick. They may be unable to communicate or be monitored closely enough to know if they are sick or have symptoms.

Symptoms and Treatment

People with disabilities that place them at higher risk of developing serious flu complications should call their health care provider right away if they get flu symptoms. CDC recommends prompt flu antiviral treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu and who are at higher risk of serious flu complications, which includes many people with disabilities.

Keep Reading: Treatment of Flu

Prevention

A flu vaccine is the best protection against flu

Getting a flu vaccine is the most important action that people with disabilities can take to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. Direct service providers, caregivers, and family members can also protect their loved ones by getting vaccinated. This action safeguards both themselves and the people they care for.

CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, ideally by the end of October.

Protection from flu vaccination sets in after about two weeks after getting vaccinated. In addition to reducing risk of flu, flu vaccination has been shown to lessen the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

Types of flu vaccines for people with disabilities

There are several flu vaccine options, and your health care provider can recommend one that is appropriate for you. People with certain medical conditions or disabilities, like weakened immune systems or cochlear implants, should not receive the nasal spray flu vaccine.

Other preventive actions

In addition to getting a flu vaccine, people with disabilities should follow the same everyday preventive actions CDC recommends for everyone. These include avoiding people who are sick, covering coughs, and washing hands often.