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Coronavirus and hypothyroidism
Here at Paloma Health, we’ve been closely monitoring the worldwide developments related to the new coronavirus outbreaks. The World Health Organization is now calling this health emergency a pandemic, its highest level. We want to help you understand what you can do to prepare and how to respond if you are concerned that you have the virus.
The situation is evolving rapidly, and we are monitoring it closely to help protect your health. We are here 24/7 to answer any questions you have.
Am I at higher risk?
There is currently no reason to believe that people with thyroid problems (autoimmune or otherwise) are at any excess risk from coronavirus. Thyroid problems are common and the analysis from China would have likely picked up if there was a big problem for thyroid patients already.
Read our full analysis here:
Coronavirus and Hashimoto's
Comprehensive primer about what thyroid patients need to know about novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
Immunosuppressants And Hashimoto's
Are immunosuppressant drugs helpful for Hashimoto's disease?
COVID-19 Facts, Verified by Paloma Doctors
Risk
- Mortality rate is higher than the flu (est. 2%)
- Older populations or those with compromised immune systems are most at risk
Symptoms
- Fever above 100.4F
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Presenting 2-14 days after exposure
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Transmission
- Transmitted via respiratory droplets (coughs and sneezes)
- Virus droplets may persist on surfaces
- People may be contagious before symptoms appear
When should I be concerned?
General concern for COVID is low unless you or someone in your household have:
Fever +/- Cough + Exposure
This means there are signs of illness (fever or respiratory problems including cough, wheezing, or trouble breathing) AND you’ve come in contact with someone known to have the virus or someone in an area where the virus is circulating who’s displaying the symptoms above.
Fever + Cough + Travel
This means there are signs of illness (fever AND respiratory problems including cough, wheezing, or trouble breathing) AND you have traveled to an area known to have community transmission within the last 14 days.
Fever + Severe Respiratory Illness + Hospitalization
This means you have a fever with severe lower respiratory illness, such as pneumonia, requiring admission to a hospital or intensive care unit.
Freqently Asked Questions
What is the coronavirus
Coronavirus is a class of virus. There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
Paloma Health doctors recommend staying up-to-date on new information regarding COVID-19 as we are learning more about the virus every day.
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Which body fluids can spread the virus?
COVID-19 is transmitted via respiratory droplets like sneezes and coughs. It is not yet known whether non-respiratory body fluids (blood, vomit, urine, breast milk or semen) from an infected person transmit the virus.
Paloma Health doctors recommend taking precautions until more information is widely available. Wash your hands with warm water for at least 20 seconds when coming into contact with any body fluids.
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Do individuals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 need to be admitted to the hospital?
Not all members with COVID-19 require hospitalization. It’s determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the member's ability to engage in remote monitoring, the ability for safe isolation at home, the severity of symptoms and the risk of transmission in the member's home environment.
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How is COVID-19 treated?
Most cases of COVID-19 are treated similarly to the flu. Specific treatment advice varies but staying hydrated, getting rest, and taking a fever reducer are common recommendations. Staying home from work/school and avoiding public places is important to limit the spread. Around 20% of cases require additional treatment focused on supportive care of complications, including advanced organ support for respiratory failure, septic shock, and multi-organ failure.
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Can people who recover from COVID-19 be infected again?
The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood. For other types of coronavirus, patients with infection are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover, but it is not yet known whether similar immune protection will be observed for individuals with COVID-19.
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Can someone who does not have symptoms transmit the virus?
We don't know enough yet but infected people without symptoms might be driving the spread of coronavirus more than we realized. it's unclear exactly what percentage of the transmission in the outbreak is fueled by people who are obviously sick versus those who have no symptoms or very mild symptoms, it's become clear that transmission by people who are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic is responsible for more transmission than previously thought.
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Myself or one of my loved ones is at higher risk. What should I do?
Paloma Health recommend
- Stocking up on supplies (extra medication, everyday supplies and groceries) in the event you need stay home
- Washing your hands frequently and disinfecting items you touch frequently (phone, computer, car steering wheel, etc.)
- Taking precautions to keep space between yourself and others
- Avoiding crowds
- Avoiding cruises and non-essential travel
- Staying home as much as possible during a COVID-19 outbreak in your community
Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Early data suggest older people are twice as likely, if infected, to have serious COVID-19 illness. If you or a loved one are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or severe underlying medical conditions, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.
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Should I wear a mask for prevention?
Only individuals who are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or those looking after someone who may have COVID-19 should wear masks. Keep in mind, disposable face masks can only be used once, and there is a world-wide shortage of masks. WHO urges people to use masks wisely.
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When should I contact a doctor?
If you develop symptoms related to COVID-19 (such as fever, cough and shortness of breath), let your
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What can I do to boost my immunity?
Boosting your immunity may help to lessen the severity if you get sick.
Paloma Health doctors recommend:
- Eating a well balanced diet, high in fruits and vegetables
- Exercising regularly (running outside away from crowds or at home workouts are safest right now)
- Getting adequate sleep
- Minimizing stress, in healthy ways like by exercise and meditationLimiting alcohol and smoking
- Taking steps to avoid infection, such as frequent hand washing.
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Should I work from home?
This depends on a number of factors, including your health and where you live or work. Whether or not you are staying home, keep in mind you should practice social distancing (for example avoiding large sporting events and concerts) and avoid other public spaces.
Paloma Health doctors recommend staying home
- If you are feeling unwell
- If there has been an outbreak in your community
- If you or someone you live with is at higher risk due to age or chronic health conditions
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Tips for preventing illness
Wash hands with mild soap and water, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Minimize exposure to potential sick individuals
Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm, and avoid touching your face
Clean and disinfect your home as you would normally
Consider getting a flu shot if you haven’t already
Limit unnecessary exposure to others, particularly large crowds of people (250+)
Try to stay at least six feet away from people while in public places
How About Some Good News?
In these times of uncertainty, we also need to pause and celebrate some of the positive changes that have already occurred on an unprecedented scale.
The head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 25 percent of infected people might not have symptoms.
Early peek at data on Gilead coronavirus drug suggests patients are responding to treatment
Researchers of the Erasmus Medical Center claim to have found an antibody against coronavirus.
A 103-year-old Chinese grandmother has made a full recovery from COVID-19 after being treated for 6 days in China.
Scientists in Israel likely to announce the development of a coronavirus vaccine.
Plasma from newly recovered patients from Covid -19 can treat others infected by Covid-19.
Good news from South Korea, where the number of new cases is declining.
Learn More about Paloma Health
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