It is very understandable that during this period of global fear and panic most thyroid patients would be extra worried about their health with regards to their chances of contracting the coronavirus, managing both an infection and their thyroid disease, and the risk involved in attending hospitals and taking thyroid medications.
Are individuals with autoimmune thyroid disease at risk of COVID-19 infection?
COVID-19 is a new virus, so there is currently no information on how it affects individuals with thyroid disease. However thyroid disease is not known to be associated with increased risk of viral infections in general, nor is there an association between thyroid disease and severity of the viral infection. An autoimmune thyroid disease does not make one immunocompromised. The part of the immune system responsible for autoimmune thyroid conditions is separate to the immune system responsible for fighting off viral infections such as COVID-19.
Does medication for my thyroid disorder suppress my immune system?
Neither levothyroxine, nor carbimazole nor propylthiouracil, are immunomodulatory therapies — they do not change nor weaken your immune system. However, some patients with thyroid eye disease will be on high doses of steroid medication which can suppress the immune system.
Are patients who have had radioiodine therapy or thyroid surgery at higher risk?
There is no evidence to show that radioiodine therapy or thyroid surgery for benign thyroid disease would put a patient at higher risk of COVID-19 infection. However, rules for staying safe must be strictly adhered to both prior and post thyroidectomy. It would be very difficult for a patient to manage a COVID-19 infection while recovering from thyroid surgery. The Surgical department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital will carry out scheduled thyroid surgeries till otherwise instructed by the Ministry of Health.
Is it safe to visit the endocrine clinic during this pandemic?
The Endocrine clinic at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has put in the necessary infection control measures to ensure staff and patient safety. The Clinic still runs on Tuesday mornings with the added option for telephone consultations for patients who are unable to visit the premises.
Safety Guidelines for Thyroid Patients
- Ensure they take their medication and manage their condition properly
- Ensure they do not run out of medication which could lead to trips to the drug store during a lockdown
- Only take thyroid tests at standardized laboratories which adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines
- Visit clinics on time for appointments and carry along all required lab results
- Take medications exactly as prescribed
- If experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, contact the COVID-19 hotline and the endocrine clinic
- Disclose your thyroid condition when speaking with the COVID-19 response team
Reviewed by: Dr. Mrs. Josephine Akpalu, Head of Endocrine Unit, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.