Are those of us with hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’... - Thyroid UK

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Are those of us with hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s) at heightened risk of Covid-19

McMurtagh profile image
46 Replies

My employers want to identify those at heightened risk.

Am I (Hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s) in a higher risk group?

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McMurtagh profile image
McMurtagh
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46 Replies
SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Please check out the many very recent threads about this, found by a search:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

The elderly and those with lung disease and other serious underlying health conditions are at highest risk.

Maybe your employers should be looking at official information about who is in the high risk group.

Treepie profile image
Treepie

Not specifically listed but as levo increases blood sugar which can lead to diabetes ( as happened to me) and diabetes is listed. I suspect it could be , but that the listed illnesses are higher risk as are the elderly and men with those conditions.

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62 in reply to Treepie

Treepie

posting an literature reivew on links between diabetes and thyroid disfunction.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

The underlying causes of links between thyroid function and particularly type 2 diabetes isn't understood. The article implies that there isn't a direct causal link between levo and raised blood sugars though it is known that HIGH levels of thyroid hormones CAN result in higher blood sugars, so far from being something that would affect everyone.

Treepie profile image
Treepie in reply to Gambit62

Thank you for the link.I read on the leaflet with Aristo levo ( 6 days ago) that levo raises blood sugar .It added that this might lead to needing to adjust diabetic treatments.

When diagnosed hypo( TSH 101) the GP said the good news was that I was not diabetic. Twelve months later I was diabetic and for three years controlled by diet until chemo threw it out of control. I did say it CAN lead to diabetes but I accept it may not affect all hypos that way.

Of course ,my response related to whether hypos were at particular risk from Covid-19 and I suspect this may be the case but hope I am wrong as being diabetic, recovering from chemo, 74 and male I have enough high risk factors.

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62 in reply to Treepie

Thanks Treepie - the phrase I was concerned about was 'levo raises blood sugar levels' - as this doesn't always appear to be the case.

Raised blood sugar levels over time can definitely lead to type 2 diabetes.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again

One of the cashiers who works at our local supermarket has hypothyroid because she told me about it. When I visited a few days ago I noticed she was wearing latex gloves so she must be worried and is taking precautions. I myself wash my hands with antibacterial liquid soap before I go out and I keep putting anti-bacterial gel on my hands. I try not to touch my face which I am finding difficult because I always push my longish hair away from my face if it is windy outside.

EbonyEvans profile image
EbonyEvans in reply to Lora7again

Have you tried a hair band or clips. Face masks help not touch our face also. The gloves are probably to help with bacteria as cash carriers germs and apparently CV-19 could transmit from cash in a certain amount of time. An alternative to anti bac gel on the tills 🤷🏾‍♀️.

It’s advised to have sanitiser at your door when you come home. I do and then go and wash my hands.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply to EbonyEvans

I think I am a bit old for a hair band or hair clips at 60 lol Thank you for the suggestion and I might wear a hat today because it is a bit rainy outside.

Chriskisby profile image
Chriskisby in reply to Lora7again

Perhaps it is time to cut your hair?

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply to Chriskisby

Why would I do that? It has only just grown back after falling out for over 2 years.

Billyboy2u profile image
Billyboy2u in reply to Lora7again

Follow common sense. If you feel your at risk. Don’t go to work or out where there are crowds.

Putting anti bacterial gel on you hands won’t stop you getting it either !

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply to Billyboy2u

I don't feel at risk and I am still going out and doing what I want to do until the government tells me otherwise. This past weekend I went out for a couple of meals and shopping as well as to the garden centre. I think they will stop people doing some of these things soon so I am enjoying my freedom while I can.

HLAB35 profile image
HLAB35

I think that the way hypothyroidism could be an issue is that it is linked to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D checks are available by post and it's worth keeping on top of these. Taking Magnesium will help with vitamin D absorption.

A link has not yet been proven, but I would not be surprised if there is a correlation. March is probably our most vulnerable time of year as we've not seen much sun in Europe and older people who cover up more and stay indoors when it's cold, especially those with darker skin tones, cannot rely on sunlight sources of this essential vitamin/hormone.

Lassithi profile image
Lassithi

The President Elect of the National Foundation of Infectious diseases (USA) cites Hashimotos Thyroid disease as one of the at risk categories alongside diabetes, asthma, lupus, etc. (NJ.com).

There are a lot of conflicting views on line including scientists citing research from the Chinese data although that data is currently not broken down into significant detail or evidence based.

TBH, I think this strain is so far unknown/untested I will be making my own mind up and treating it as if I do belong in the at risk category. I know that a virus I contracted over Christmas took me much longer to recover from than friends and family with the same strain of virus and I am also being guided by that experience.

I am doing most things others are although I do include myself on the at risk register at work which means I will be given priority option for consideration of working from home if/when the virus hits our community.

My step son who lIves a two and a half hour drive away has this week tested positive for COVD-19. He works in a large University where other cases have also been confirmed and he and his family are self isolating.

He is a fitness fanatic and has the body of an athlete although he is asthmatic. He has been at home ill for 2 weeks (although fortunately not gravely ill) for him it has been difficult to fight this virus off.

His wife and 4 year old daughter who don’t have underlying issues are well and thankfully so far have not had any symptoms.

Hope that helps 😷

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Lassithi

Are you able to post a link to the NFID statement? I have looked but cannot find.

Lassithi profile image
Lassithi in reply to helvella

Hello, she is cited in the NJ journal: /no-com (search COVD 19 Hashi and also Integrated health New Journey again same search.

Hope that helps

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Lassithi

/no-com is not a valid link.

nj.com - I tried and I searched with many variants. I could not find and relevant hits.

Assuming you meant:

nj.gov/health/ - I went there and still could not find anything about Hashimoto's.

If you could post the actual link, it would be so very helpful, please.

Lassithi profile image
Lassithi in reply to helvella

Quote and link below

People with certain auto-immune diseases: This category includes lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, said Patricia Whitley-Williams, chief of pediatric allergy, immunology and infectious diseases at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and president-elect of the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases. (Link Below)

nj.com/coronavirus/2020/03/...

Terricotta profile image
Terricotta in reply to Lassithi

I too am concerned, as someone with Hashi's. My body temperature isn't as high as it should be even on the meds. As a result, recently I had a really bad cold that started to cause my body temperature to rise (I was in bed for two days), but it didn't rise enough to fight off the virus. It got so far and then I seemed to suddenly recover overnight. I've not shaken this cold bug off. I know this because I can still feel its presence. It seems to be remaining quite happily hosted by my system.

I've now been exposed to the coronavirus and am in quarantine, although not yet showing symptoms (it's too soon).

Fifi12 profile image
Fifi12 in reply to Lassithi

I was wondering about this . I have an underactive thyroid and I have had in current years chest infections, pleuracy ,and pneumonia twice. When I had pneumonia last year I had low white blood count , which is still not right. Is this high risk?

Marz profile image
Marz

Sorry to read about your step-son - thank you for your post - hope all goes well for you.

I have Hashi's plus other immune issues. I have booked a 4 night yoga retreat from next Thursday. Like you I had a shocking virus that started on 27th December and lasted 6 weeks. Am even wondering if it was the c-virus ? Too many similar symptoms.

Being retired I do not have work issues to resolve but at 73 I am considered high risk so am thinking I should cancel my trip. We have confirmed cases in the area.

Hope things go well for you and your family.

Lassithi profile image
Lassithi

Hello, I too thought it may have been the dreaded C-19 over Christmas, mine 25th Dec for approx six weeks also. Let’s hope that’s our one and only personal experience.

I understand your hesitance re trip, we are due to go on an overnight girls only celebration with mum in law next weekend and am pondering that although will need to be guided by Govt etc. 80 year old mum in law is adamant that she is still going no matter what we decide and it probably would take the army to stop her!.

Thank you, stay well 👍

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again

I have just been to Sainsburys and a lot of the shelves are empty and of course there are no toilet rolls. Sainsburys kept putting out an announcement asking customers to be patient and not to abuse members of staff. I asked one of them if there was a reason for that and they told me that yesterday when some toilet rolls where delivered people were fighting over them and pushing and shoving members of staff and each other. I think the world has gone mad and I wish they would limit people to one pack per person.

Hillwoman profile image
Hillwoman in reply to Lora7again

I've just had an email circular from Sainsbury's CEO pleading with customers only to buy what they need for themselves and families, and that more stock is on the way. Some items like cleaning products and painkillers will be rationed though.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Hillwoman

Today, Aldi had a yellow notice at the door:

DEAR CUSTOMERS

In order to help maintain product

availability, and ensure as many

customers as possible can access

key items, we are now limiting

products to a maximum of 4 per

customer.

We apologise for any

inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you for your patience in

these challenging times.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Hillwoman

Someone has sent me a pic of a fruit and veg market stall. Sign on large box of cabbage leaves - Sorry no toilet rolls - cabbage leaves £1 a bag ! Some of us may well remember dock leaves whilst out walking ! The world has gone soft - tissue soft !

Hillwoman profile image
Hillwoman in reply to Marz

😁Brilliant!! In these northern parts, at certain times of the year butterbur leaves are available. They are truly enormous, and I imagine a bit rough on delicate parts. Dock is no doubt preferable!

NellieBee profile image
NellieBee in reply to Hillwoman

I also received the email from the Sainsburys CEO, plus another from Asda and other companies like Boots. If people were just sensible and bought only what they need the message is there is enough to go around!

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Hillwoman

Check out John Bergman 🤭

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Marz

His video on YouTube re the virus puts things into perspective !

Hillwoman

Hillwoman profile image
Hillwoman in reply to Marz

Which one is it? I've just had a look and wasn't sure.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to Hillwoman

youtu.be/gC4s6-8De_o

Hillwoman profile image
Hillwoman in reply to Marz

Don't worry - I've found it! x

Jeppy profile image
Jeppy in reply to Marz

Love this man!

...and hunky 🙈👍🏼

Miffie profile image
Miffie

I do not think so. I do not have Hashimoto’s but I have a few other autoimmune conditions. My hypothyroidism was thought to be caused by radiation in the early 1950s.

I do not think I am at greater risk of developing a serious case of Covid 19 as I am only 68, have no heart disease, just a murmur and no respiratory diseases. My immune system is not compromised.

I have been unable to find any scientific evidence an autoimmune condition put people in a high risk category. Obviously those who have a compromised immune system, heart disease and some respiratory disorders are at risk.

Diabetes UK have on the web site posted specific advice on coronavirus for people living with diabetes

“Coronaviruses can cause more severe symptoms and complications in people with diabetes, as well as in older people, and those with other long term conditions such as cancer or chronic lung disease. “

Hopefully for those who worry that they have blood sugar problems but are not diagnosed as diabetic it clarifies the position.

A couple of suggestions to you all.

If you run out of toilet paper, you can always use a sponge, wet and with soap, for your nether regions. Far more efficient than paper, simply needs washing after use.

There are some types of antiviral soaps still available at eg Amazon, which may give you improved cleansing of your hands than with normal soap.

Whether you believe you are at a greater risk when having Hashimoto, you would be rather unwise not to believe this to be true. Take good care of yourselves when out and about. My personal best suggestion is to wear gloves when you go out. Gloves protect the wearer, masks merely protect others from what you may have!

HLAB35 profile image
HLAB35 in reply to

Maybe ensuring one has plenty of flannels / muslin cloths/ rags for the lack of toilet roll situation? Wish we had a bidet.

DebTex profile image
DebTex in reply to HLAB35

My Sister ordered some kind of portable bidet that you hook onto your toilet from Amazon. She hasn’t opened it yet so I can’t say if it’s any good or not.

HLAB35 profile image
HLAB35 in reply to DebTex

Sounds intriguing I'll take a look!

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to

Using anti-bacterial soaps can also destroy the good bacteria we need to fight the baddies ...

HLAB35 profile image
HLAB35 in reply to Marz

Very good point... if anti bac stuff gets overused we'll be dealing with a bacterial superbug next!

I use wrights coal tar and faith in nature bar soap as these have no nasties to irritate my skin.

Clarrisa profile image
Clarrisa

I’ve noticed some cultures remove their shoes at the front door before entering their home. I’ve wondered if that might help keeping the Coronavirus at bay as well.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again

I have just been to Tesco's because I did want to get shoved about by people who are after toilets rolls. The shelves were empty of toilet rolls but one of the staff said they have some ready to put out when the shop gets busier. The check out staff now have a list of items you can only have a certain amount of. I had a quick look and it said toilet rolls, kitchen roll, tissues, nappies, pasta, rice, paracetamol, antibacterial soap and some other items which I couldn't see. There were about 10 packets of paracetamol so I got 2 one for me and one for my Dad. As walked down the aisle a woman told me that there was some dry pasta if I needed it over there. I thanked her and said I was ok for pasta and I didn't intent to stock pile. The supermarkets should have done this a week ago and there would not be a shortage now.

alchemilla12 profile image
alchemilla12 in reply to Lora7again

well it's all well and good to blame the supermarkets but it is really down to the utter selfishness of people going into ridiculous panic mode.

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply to alchemilla12

Yes I agree but when I purchased some toilet rolls on Thursday, I decided to just take 2 packs of 9 and I said to the check out girl that one was for me and the other was for my Dad ... she then said you can have 5 if you want.

in reply to Lora7again

From an Irish perspective, this was us last week, now it's all replenished, plenty of paper and people behave more rationally. Most of us stay home as instructed, use social distancing of 2 metres, wash hands frequently. Pubs schools museums bars creches playgrounds are closed, offices are too. Lockdown in a way. It's interesting how people react in panic, thinking of toilet paper and pasta, if I caught coronavirus, that would be the last thing on my mind lol

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