Lanarkshire residents with diabetes are among the at risk groups who need the flu vaccine.
As highlighted by NHS Lanarkshire, diabetes weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, including the flu.
People with diabetes, even when well-managed, who get flu are at higher risk of being unwell for longer.
They are also more likely to develop serious complications which may lead to hospitalisation and exacerbation of diabetes-related health issues.
Flu can make diabetes harder to manage and cause your blood sugar levels to rise.
Having the flu also increases your risk of getting diabetic ketoacidosis
The flu vaccination helps protect against these risks by reducing the likelihood of complications
Dr Babu Mukhopadhyay, FRCP (Glasg), consultant physician and endocrinologist, said: "Flu is a virus that spreads easily and can be very serious.
"Flu can make diabetes harder to manage, causing blood sugar levels to rise and increasing the risk of serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
"Locally, data shows that people with diabetes make up a significant portion of flu-related hospitalisations.
"In the 2024/25 winter season, we saw some of the highest numbers of acute admissions for flu since pre-pandemic.
"Research also shows that respiratory viruses, especially the flu, worsen diabetes and trigger severe complications.
"Getting the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of these complications, including pneumonia, heart disease, and severe blood sugar fluctuations. Yet many people with diabetes remain unvaccinated."
To find out more about the flu vaccine, visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/flu-vaccine/