Flu Vaccines and Cancer: What You Should Know
Officially, “flu season” runs from October through May, with its peak in December, so now is the time most Americans are encouraged to get their annual flu vaccines. This is a regular occurrence, happening every year like clockwork. For cancer patients and the people who love and care for them, something like a flu vaccine may not feel so routine.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious virus which impacts the nose, throat, and lungs. As an illness, symptoms can run the gamut from needing a couple of days at home in bed to being life threatening, especially for older adults, children, and those living with some other medical condition that weakens the immune system.
Like other viruses (we see you, COVID!), flu is circulated between people in close contact with one another. It can also be transmitted unknowingly, even before any symptoms have appeared. People with weakened immune systems, like cancer patients, are also able to transmit the virus to others for a longer period.
The human immune system is made of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to resist infections caused by bacteria and viruses. Having cancer and being in cancer treatment weakens the immune system, leaving cancer patients more vulnerable to both catching the flu and experiencing serious complications from the flu. The intent of vaccines is to both help prevent an illness, and, if still caught, lessen the severity of that illness.
Vaccines rely on an immune system response to work by helping the immune system recognize and fight infections within the body. For most cancer patients, while their immune system may not be in top form, it can still contribute to the usefulness of the vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and other medical groups strongly encourage cancer patients and those who care for them to get their flu shots. An important reason for that is to ensure that cancer treatments are not interrupted by a cancer patient getting the flu or experiencing serious complications from the flu.
Some considerations for people with cancer and flu vaccines:
Flu vaccines containing any kind of live viruses are not recommended for cancer patients, those who care for them, or anyone living in the same household as a cancer patient.
The nasal vaccine or flu mist is never recommended for cancer patients, those who care for them, or anyone living in the same household as a cancer patient, as it contains a live virus that can harm those with weakened immune systems.
Flu vaccines change every year, as flu strains change every year.
The flu vaccines recommended for cancer patients are those administered via a shot and contain an inactive (not live) virus.
Cancer patients and cancer survivors are at greater risk for experiencing complications from the flu.
All members of the household (aged six months and older) of a cancer patient should get the flu vaccine to minimize risk for the cancer patient.
Cancer patients should speak with their doctors about anti-viral treatments for flu-like symptoms as soon as they appear.
There are specific flu vaccines made for older adults who are at higher risk for flu complications. If you are an older adult in treatment for cancer, ask your doctor about them.
Dr. Srilata Gundala is a hematologist/oncologist and the founder of Hope & Healing Care Centers in Lombard and Hinsdale, Illinois and helps her patients prepare for flu season every year, “I encourage my patients and staff to be cautious during flu season. Get your flu shots, wash your hands frequently, and reach out to me or our team here at the first sign of any flu-like symptoms. Because of the higher risk my patients are at for complications, we all do better when we work together to minimize the risk of catching flu in the first place.”
Wondering about cancer and COVID vaccines? You can read about that HERE.
Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD
