Do-Eun Lee, MD, has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years, and specializes in diabetes, thyroid issues and general endocrinology. Effectiveness of face mask or respirator use in indoor public settings for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Osteoarthritis: Who Gets It and What You Can Do About It. Your email address will not be published. Agranulocytosis is less common in patients who have been taking methimazole for a long time or when the dose of the medication is low (e.g. Policy. If we combine this information with your protected From there, Jaimie moved to Johannesburg, where she reported for the Sunday Times of London, Newsweek and Independent News & Media the largest local newspaper group in the country. Although anyone can develop Hashimoto's disease, it's most common among middle-aged women. This is true even for people who are living with a thyroid autoimmune disease. What Is Werner Syndrome, and How Does It Cause Premature Aging? It is eight times more common in women, but affects men and children, too. The most common initial treatment for thyroid cancer is surgery to remove the thyroid tumor. NIOSH training for nurses on shift work and long work hours. (2016). Being physically active is important to being healthy. Long-term most acute thyroid dysfunction resolves once the patient has cleared the COVID-19 infection. "If you have an immunocompromised condition, you already have that stress and you're worried about yourself in this, and then we have this pandemic anxiety that's everywhere. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. Thyroid follicular cells express the ACE2 receptor, thus making thyroid tissue a possible target of direct infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Can things other than autoimmune conditions weaken your immune system? (2020). When her 2-year-old son became ill with the stomach flu, she took care of him. Common cold: Protect yourself and others. Seiler A, et al. American Thyroid Association. Being immunocompromised can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 or be sick for a longer period of time. Hypothyroidism and thyroiditis. Certain medications can lead to you becoming immunocompromised. Patients may have symptoms such as fever or sore throat. When possible, keep your appointments (e.g., vaccinations and blood pressure checks) with your healthcare provider. Autoimmune diseases like Sjgrens syndrome can be difficult to diagnose. There are two types of thyroid dysfunction that seem to be clearly related to COVID-19 infection: hypothyroidism due to non-thyroidal illness syndrome and thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism) due to subacute (viral) thyroiditis. Prevention & control immunocompromised persons. Having chronic liver diseasecan make you more likelyto get very sick from COVID-19. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. (2016). The thyroid is a small butterfly-shape gland located at the base of your neck that has a huge job. This is not a formal meta-analysis or even a formal literature review. (2019). The hallmark of the syndrome is low T3 with normal or low TSH. Emergency departments, urgent care, clinics, and your healthcare provider have infection prevention plans to help protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care. She began her career in Washington, DC, in the press office of the Clinton/Gore Presidential Transition and then went on to the DC bureau of the Sunday Times of London. Chronic liver disease can include alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, and cirrhosis (or scarring of the liver). Orbai A. If youve never smoked, dont start. Because we are learning more about COVID-19 every day, this list, A person with a condition that is not listed may still be at greater risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 than other people who do not have the condition. To receive email updates about COVID-19, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. Examples of autoimmune disorders include: When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system may mistakenly attack healthy cells. Challenges, progress, and prospects of developing therapies to treat autoimmune diseases. This is a primary inflammation of the thyroid that causes a mild thyrotoxic state and occurs after an upper viral respiratory infection. This content does not have an Arabic version. Accessed Oct. 19, 2021. The next relevant question is whether COVID-19 infection has any effect on the thyroid gland. To read more about people who are at higher risk: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fspecific-groups%2Fhigh-risk-complications.html. Heres what may be causing it and what you can do. What Are the Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome? There is also an atypical variant of subacute thyroiditis that does not cause pain, but has similar thyroid dysfunction. Graves disease is the most common kind of autoimmune hyperthyroidism. https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/. Autoimmunity Reviews. Autoimmune thyroid disorders can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Required fields are marked *. Accessed Oct. 19, 2021. In the United States, Hashimotos is the top cause of hypothyroidism, or shrinking production of thyroid hormone. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases sharply with higher BMI. Some things that may help you improve your immunity if youre immunocompromised include: Consult with a doctor to determine which steps you can safely take to potentially improve your immunity. Hashimotos can often be associated with some weight gain its mostly salt and water weight, which is why you look puffy, she says. Because many thyroid conditions are autoimmune disorders, patients wonder if that puts them in the immunocompromised category when it comes to COVID-19.. Autoimmune thyroid disease is not an immunocompromised state, so having Hashimotos or Graves does not put a person in the CDC high-risk category . I'm getting plenty of rest. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. Talk with your healthcare provider about wearing a mask in a medium COVID-19 Community Level. Providers taking care of patients with critical illnesses will be able to determine the best approach for making sure that a patient with hyperthyroidism continues to receive treatment as needed. The study found that having hypothyroidism and being on thyroid hormone replacement did not change rates of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, or mortality relative to those who did not have hypothyroidism. Lee SY, et al. Even if the thyroid nodule is found to be cancerous, there is usually little risk in delaying surgery to have it removed. This year, January also happens to mark the one-year anniversary of COVID-19s emergence in China. Cast your vote for Baylor College of Medicine in the STAT Madness Science Competition. Having had a solid organ or blood stem cell transplant, which includes bone marrow transplants, can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. What causes the immune system to attack thyroid cells is not clear. Therefore, the short delays expected from waiting until the current COVID-19 pandemic is over are unlikely to lower the effectiveness of the RAI treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about wearing a mask in a medium COVID-19 Community Level and what additional precautions may be necessary in medium or high COVID-19 Community Levels. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Your health care provider will advise you when it is better to delay RAI treatment or when it is better to proceed with treatment despite the current pandemic. Do not use them without first checking with your healthcare provider. A person can become immunocompromised in four major ways: through a congenital disorder; through acquired conditions such as diabetes and HIV; through autoimmune diseases; and through certain medications and treatments. Routine measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination. People in racial and ethnic minority groups are often younger when they develop chronic medical conditions and may be more likely to have more than one medical condition. It's difficult to get reliable numbers on how many people are immunocompromised. "Three days later I felt like I was having a bowel obstruction and was rushed to the ER. The syndrome, also known as euthyroid sick syndrome or low T3 syndrome, can occur during any acute illness. Hashimotos is an autoimmune condition, but its not indicative of a compromised immune system (1, 2). Get more information on physical activity and health, physical activity recommendations, how to become more active, and how to create activity-friendly communities: Pregnant and recently pregnant people (for at least 42 days following end of pregnancy) are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. The SARS-CoV-2 virus enters human cells through the ACE2 receptor. http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-hormone-treatment/ Accessed Oct. 19, 2021. Accessed Sept. 28, 2021. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Learn more about immunoglobulins including how they help your body fight infections and the tests doctors use to measure your immunoglobulin levels. This is why it's imperative for those who are immunosuppressed to follow the CDC guidelinesincluding regular handwashing, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands and disinfecting household surfacesand to even go further to avoid acquiring or spreading coronavirus. Iodine supplements are not advised. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. For the rare thyroid cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy medications for your thyroid cancer treatment, you would be considered at higher risk for severe illness due to COVID-19. ", Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. I'm washing my hands around the clock. Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. In the second video, Dr. Blazer answers questions from people with lupus about the COVID-19 vaccines. Bulfone T, et al. The National Sleep Foundation. Role of inflammation in human fatigue: Relevance of multidimensional assessments and potential neuronal mechanisms. Autoimmune disorders occur when your bodys immune response targets itself, attacking its own cells and tissues. Researchers say a newly discovered autoimmune disorder known as VEXAS syndrome is more common than previously thought and occurs more often in men. This less common variant of subacute thyroiditis does not cause pain in the thyroid, usually occurs following pregnancy, and is thought to be an autoimmune thyroiditis. Hashimotos is an autoimmune condition that can strike at any age, but is most often diagnosed between ages 40 and 60, says endocrinologist Mary Vouyiouklis-Kellis, MD. And in patients with blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma, the immune The most common medication for Hashimotos is levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothyroid, Levoxyl), or T4. If you have a medical condition, the following are actions you can take based on your medical conditions and other risk factors. The study specifically looked at all patients who had pre-existing hypothyroidism and were taking thyroid hormone medication before their COVID-19 infection. Everyone should continue to practice the recommended hand hygiene and social distancing recommendations to avoid COVID-19 infection, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fspecific-groups%2Fhigh-risk-complications.html, https://www.thyroid.org/professionals/ata-publications/, https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-information/, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html, https://home.liebertpub.com/lpages/-coronavirus-science-backed-research/250/, Clinical Thyroidology for the Public (CTFP). Goiter. Other people have a weakened immune system because of a life-long condition. Accessed Sept. 28, 2021. | MD Anderson , People with Certain Medical Conditions | CDC , What Does It Mean to Be Immunocompromised | Penn Medicine , Long Covid Ended My Time as a C-Suite Executive, but Im Not Giving Up on Life. Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, et al. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. But you wont need to steer clear of cruciferous vegetables or soy both nutrition powerhouses. Some people who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) are more likely to get sick with COVID-19 or be sick for a longer period. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Oncotarget. While the causes aren't fully understood, experts now believe that a mix of genetic and environmental factors influence lupus. One helpful source is a website called LitCovid. (2021). Here, she shares five surprising facts about the condition also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Youve gained weight. If you have a medical condition, learn more about Actions You Can Take. This is expected considering that upwards of 50% of subacute thyroiditis patients show signs of overt thyrotoxicosis. "Some people require for various illnesses, chronic steroids, and if the steroids are high dose, that will also suppress the immune system." What will relieve stress for one person may not do the same for another, but there are many options to explore, including meditation, deep breathing, exercise, and hobbies. 57:12,2497-2525. doi: 10408398.2014.967385. People with disabilities are more likely than those without disabilities to have, The conditions on this list are in alphabetical order. COVID-19 vaccines for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. "Rushed to the ER:" Life with Immunocompromise. If youre immunocompromised, your immune system is less capable of producing antibodies and providing protection. For example, having Hashimotos puts you at risk for other autoimmune conditions that contribute to fatigue, including: If fatigue persists, let your doctor know so they can help rule out other conditions that cause fatigue such as sleep apnea, which is often undiagnosed. While it's unlikely that the immune system will take a hit after a single anxiety-provoking situation or event, scientists looking at the relationship between stress and immunity note that chronic stress may take a toll on the immune system over time. An endocrinologist shares five surprising facts about this autoimmune condition, which can strike at any age, but is most often found in your 40s, 50s or 60s. Methimazole is an oral medication and stopping these medications can lead to worsening of hyperthyroidism. You may need to take thyroid supplements, even if your TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels are normal.. Not only are these people more likely to contract illnesses, sometimes repeatedly, but they are also more likely to have "unusually severe" symptoms. In the case of Hashimotos thyroiditis, your immune system attacks your thyroid, which can cause inflammation and lead to an underactive thyroid gland. Immunocompromised people can get the COVID-19 vaccine, but it may not be as effective in some people. So what exactly does it mean to be immunosuppressed and who falls in that category? If a fever or other symptoms of an infection start while taking methimazole, it is best to contact your endocrinologist or other provider to determine how best to be evaluated. I'm glad the message is being heard. Avoiding refined sugar will be helpful, as eating sugar can often contribute to fatigue, says Dr. Kellis. PTU is relatively insoluble. Regular screenings are often recommended. Hashimoto's thyroiditis can cause your thyroid to not make enough thyroid hormone. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Is it safe to delay thyroid surgery because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Like adults, children with obesity, diabetes, asthma or chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, or who are immunocompromised can also be at increased risk for getting very sick from COVID-19. Graves disease is the most common kind of autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Werner syndrome is a type of adult-onset premature aging caused by an autosomal recessive disorder that changes the WRN gene. So, it's essential to make sure you receive adequate amounts of the vitamin. She's not alone. Other hormones and proteins also come into play. Both Sheldon and Newman stressed that patients being treated for chronic illnesses need to stay on their medication and call their health care provider to find out if their treatment could suppress their immune system. Eventually, the decline in thyroid hormone production can result in any of the following: Signs and symptoms of Hashimoto's disease vary widely and are not specific to the disorder. Probiotics and Immune Health. Many people are never told they have Hashimotos, says Dr. Kellis. Qiu F, et al. Physical exercise as a tool to help the immune system against COVID-19: an integrative review of the current literature. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) generally states that people who are undergoing cancer treatment meet the definition of being immunocompromised. People can be immunocompromised either due to a medical condition or from receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments. Developed and hosted by the NIH, the site is one of the most comprehensive collections of COVID-19 literature available. J Autoimmun. Have non-perishable food choices such as canned goods availablethat meet your needs based on your medical condition (e.g., kidney diet and, Know the triggers for your condition and avoid when possible (e.g., avoid. In general, treatment with RAI is more urgent for patients who have papillary or follicular thyroid cancer who have distant metastases to the lungs or other body parts, particularly if growth of the metastases have been observed. How Much Sleep Do Adults Really Need?. What are common symptoms of autoimmune disease? But while some studies suggest that adding T3 to T4 may help weight loss, it is not a skinny pill, says Dr. Kellis. (2020). (2021). Harpaz R, et al. Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs. If you have a weakened immune system, your doctor can help you determine the best steps to take to stay as healthy as possible. Weyand C, et al. Melmed S, et al. Having hemoglobin blood disorders like sickle cell disease or thalassemia (inherited red blood cell disorders) can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Such long-term uses can lead to secondary or acquired immunodeficiency. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Given this, it seems that a history of hypothyroidism does not change the risk of infection nor the severity of infection with COVID-19. Review/update the The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection, Harvard Medical School. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the, The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. Put together your COVID-19 plan so you have all the information you need on hand if you get sick with COVID-19. Ann Transl Med. Some people are at increased risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID-19 because of where they live or work, or because they cant get health care. For example, immunotherapy, steroids, radiation treatment for cancer, and organ rejection medications can all leave your immune system in a weakened state. There has been some concern that too much exercise might interfere with the immune system, but this is not a concern when it comes to moderate amounts of exercise. But it may surprise you to learn that Hashimotos thyroiditis, also known as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, is actually an autoimmune disease, like type-1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. (2021). A blood test reveals your thyroid is underactive. However, the immune system is complex, and having autoimmune thyroid disease does not mean that a person is immunocompromised or will be unable to fight off a viral infection. Studies have shown people from racial and ethnic minority groups are also dying from COVID-19 at younger ages. Having HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Any patient with new fever, cough, or other typical symptoms of COVID-19 infection should seek medical attention immediately, regardless of methimazole use. Symptoms may include an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), tiredness, weight gain, and muscle weakness. WebHashimoto's thyroiditis. The disease usually results in a decline in hormone production (hypothyroidism). Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that people who are immunocompromised are at higher-risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The number of deaths among people over age 65 is 97 times higher than the number of deaths among people ages 18-29 years. Having cancercan make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. As the years go by, you may produce less hormone, so your doctor will gradually increase your dose of medication, she says. Chronic lung diseases can include: Having cystic fibrosis, with or without lung or other solid organ transplant (like kidney, liver, intestines, heart, and pancreas) can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. My husband has been going to the grocery store. I recently spoke with Lisa Kennedy Sheldon, Ph.D., chief clinical officer at the Oncology Nursing Society, and an oncology nurse practitioner, about the link between cancer treatments and immunosuppression. (2021). Autoimmune thyroid disorders can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. information submitted for this request. Goldman L, et al., eds. (2015). You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on (2020). The immune system creates antibodies that attack thyroid cells as if they were bacteria, viruses or some other foreign body. Another theory is that infection by a virus or bacterium triggers the response. (2017). Stress can cause hormones to become imbalanced, thus causing a reaction in the immune system that leads to increased antibody production. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Treatment can reduce your risk of hospitalization by more than 50% and also reduces the risk of death. Under-treated hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency are linked with an increased risk of stroke, even in young people, because vitamin B12 deficiency can increase homocysteine levels, which are a well-established risk factor for ischemic stroke. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. This includes many. Contact your healthcare provider and start treatment within the first few days of symptoms. Hashimotos carries a slightly higher risk of miscarriage, so youll need the blood test for thyroid antibodies, says Dr. Kellis. Steer clear of products made from trans fats, including certain kinds of margarine. If you have questions about a condition not included on this list, talk to your healthcare provider about how best to manage your condition and protect yourself from COVID-19. Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder. Are You at High Risk for Serious Disease from Covid-19? It occurs when your body makes antibodies that attack the cells in your thyroid. The bow-tie-shaped thyroid gland, at the base of your throat, secretes a hormone called T4 (thyroxine). Autoimmune conditions dont necessarily cause a weakened immune system, but some medications used to treat these disorders may cause a weakened immune response. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Even taking them with orange juice or coffee can interfere with thyroid supplement absorption, she says. Delays of six months or even longer do not appear to negatively affect the course of thyroid cancer in patients. Home COVID-19 Resources COVID-19 Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions. For example, some studies link alcohol addiction with suppressed immune systems. In Hashimoto's disease, immune-system cells lead to the death of the thyroid's hormone-producing cells. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. They are. What are signs that youre immunocompromised? 2018;9(6):7204-7218. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.23208, Seldin MF. people from racial and ethnic minority groups, chronic health conditions, live in shared group (also called congregate) settings, and face more barriers in accessing health care, COVID-19: What People with Cancer Should Know National Cancer Institute, National Kidney Foundation: Kidney disease and COVID-19, American Liver Foundation: Your Liver & COVID-19, American Lung Association: Controlling Chronic Lung Diseases Amid COVID-19, CF and Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (cff.org), Alzheimers Association: COVID-19, Alzheimers and Dementia, American Diabetes Association: How COVID-19 Impacts People with Diabetes, People with any type of disability that makes it more difficult to do certain activities or interact with the world around them, including people who need help with self-care or daily activities, People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, NHLBI Information & Resources on COVID-19, Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV, Types of Primary Immune Deficiency Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Shareable Resources on Coping with COVID-19, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Depression, Obesity Action Coalition: COVID-19 and Obesity, National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability Building Healthy Inclusive Communities, Toolkit for Pregnant People and New Parents, Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 during Pregnancy, COVID-19 Resources for Transplant Community, COVID19 Stroke Podcast Series for Patients and Caregivers, How to Recognize a Substance Use Disorder, contact your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department, Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, avoid possible sickle cell disease triggers, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), International Travel to and from the United States, Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers, Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for Air Passengers Traveling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At this time, there are no identified shortages of any types of these thyroid hormone replacement medications. (2022). Di Pasquale M, et al. "We want to make sure that we're building in the things that are fun in our lives and leaning on the people we know make us happy. WebHashimotos disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Immunoglobulins and Immunoglobulin Blood Tests: Function and Purpose, frequent colds or not recovering from a cold after 7 to 10 days, gastrointestinal issues like chronic diarrhea, whether youve had an allergic reaction after being exposed to an ingredient in a vaccine, whether youve had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of the vaccine, if youre pregnant, whether the vaccine is safe for those who are pregnant, whether there are known interactions with medications youre currently taking, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. ", Who Counts as Immunocompromised? Irregular or excessive menstrual bleeding, Environmental triggers, such as infection, stress or radiation exposure, Interactions between environmental and genetic factors. include protected health information. And according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), over 24 million people in the United States have an autoimmune condition. People who are immunocompromised or are taking medicines that weaken their immune system may not be protected even if they are up to date on their vaccines. In the United States, Hashimotos is the top cause of hypothyroidism, or shrinking production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid. (2020). Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Finally, some good news It is an autoimmune disorder, but it is not an immune-compromised state that would lead us to anticipate an additional problem with COVID It is also important for people with medical conditions and their healthcare providers to work together and manage those conditions carefully and safely. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health We recommend taking them with water only..