Knowledge about covid-19 disease is constantly increasing as new scientific studies and research shed light on the effects of the disease on specific groups of patients.
As researchers and epidemiologists are constantly discovering new findings and research into the disease is becoming more and more solid, we can safely say that the overall health risks and side effects of the disease are becoming more apparent to appear.
So in this new research, there is also the one that connects the coronavirus with the thyroid. What does this mean in practice?
Is there a link between coronavirus and thyroid disease?
A recent case study of a patient with no history of thyroid disease who developed subclinical thyroiditis after covid-19 disease was discovered.This condition is a disease of the thyroid gland.Subacute thyroiditis results from a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract and is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Inflammation means that there is increased blood flow to the organ that carries the cells to fight the infection. Symptoms of inflammation are swelling, pain, redness and burning sensation.
But beyond that, anyone with Covid-19 can then check for signs of thyroid function.
What are the specific symptoms?
There are specific symptoms that every patient should consider to check if covid-19 disease is associated with thyroid disease.
These are:
– Pain in the lower part of the neck
– Pain when swallowing
– Fever and sweating
– Hyperactivity
– Tachycardia
– Unexplained weight loss
But beyond linking the coronavirus to the thyroid in terms of post-disease effects, there are many people who wonder if they belong to a high-risk group of underlying diseases due to their chronic thyroid disease.
Recently, the Hellenic Endocrinological Society published a guide for patients with thyroid disease with some questions and answers about the connection with the new coronavirus.
It should be noted as we have already mentioned that in the last two years there has been a huge amount of research around the new coronavirus on the symptoms, cases of patients or specific groups it affects, depending on the underlying diseases they present.
So as for some basic questions that need to be answered.
“I have a thyroid problem. Is there a higher risk of coronary heart disease or a higher chance of developing severe illness?
There is currently no specific evidence that people with a specific thyroid problem are more likely to get covid-19 disease, illness or death.
It should be noted, however, that these studies concern people who regulate the thyroid gland. People with unregulated or poorly controlled hypothyroidism may therefore be at greater risk.
“I’m taking thyroid medication. Can they affect the functioning of my immune system? “
Most treatments for thyroid disease do not weaken the immune system or reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. Exceptions are some treatments for thyroid cancer and high doses of corticosteroids. These treatments weaken the immune system, which means that people who take them belong to high-risk groups and may develop a serious covid-19 infection.
“Should I get the vaccine if I have a thyroid problem?”
People with thyroid disease should be vaccinated against coronavirus infection even if they have serious illnesses such as grave’s or cancer. The only ones who are not recommended to be vaccinated are people who have specific allergies.