Flu Shot Not as Effective for Obese

Nobody wants to deal with a bad case of the flu, but people who are obese are more likely to get the flu than people who are of normal weight. Getting a flu shot will not solve this problem, as the flu shot is also not as effective in obese people, but it does help limit your risk for the flu to some extent.

If you are obese, you will want to take extra measures to prevent the flu as well as getting at least one flu shot. Many medications are needed in higher doses by those who weigh more, and according to recent research the flu shot fits into this category. Some doctors now recommend that obese individuals get two separate flu shots, one near the beginning of flu season in the fall and another sometime in January.

People who are obese have weakened immune systems, which make it more likely they will get sick with the flu or another illness, as well as making it more likely they will suffer from a more severe version of that illness. Although the flu shot gives some protection against the flu to obese individuals, the antibodies that result from getting this shot decrease much faster in obese individuals than in those who are of normal weight.

Successfully completing a program for weight loss in North Miami can help you lower your risk for getting the flu, since people who are not obese have more resistance to developing the illness. If you are trying to lose weight, then speak with your weight loss specialist to determine what type of weight loss program or weight loss surgery may be best for you. By taking care of your body and losing weight, you can help improve your immune system and fight off conditions such as type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, in addition to the flu.