* No,  Flu vaccines do not contain a live virus, so they cannot infect you. Some people coincidentally catch a cold a week or two following immunization. This is not a result of their flu vaccine—the flu is not a cold.

What other measures can be taken to avoid flu/colds?

1. Wash hands. Wash hands OFTEN.

2. Exercise. Physical activity has powerful immune boosting abilities (and helping to reduce blood glucose levels!)

3. Sleep. Are you getting enough?

4. Healthy Diet: A diet already recommended for someone with diabetes! Nutrient dense carbohydrate sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy. Limiting alcohol can also help to improve immune system. 
     
What about Vitamin C and the common cold?

 Interest in the use of vitamin C for treating the common cold dates from the 1940’s. Despite skyrocketing sales of Vitamin C supplements over the years, research still has not shown large doses of Vitamin C in preventing colds, and remains controversial.  If there are  benefits, they appear to be in reducing the severity of symptoms rather than preventing the cold.  Large doses can be problematic for gastrointestinal and kidney problems. The Institute of Medicine advises drawing the line at 2,000mg daily.