Are people who have hypothyroidism more susceptible to viral infections?
Hi, I was curious to know what you all think about if someone has hypothyroidism if that makes them more likely to catch the stomach flu or other illnesses? Last winter my whole family, hubby, 3 kids all had the stomach virus. I didn't catch it though. Thank God for that! I was wondering what you all thought and what you experiences were. thanks.
Re: Are people who have hypothyroidism more susceptible to viral infections?
Hi Brandon's Mom,
I think when one is stressed for any reason such as insufficient sleep, family strife, disaster, accidents, etc., including being hypo, that one is more susceptable to any kind of virus or bacteria, which are always around us, by the way.
Re: Are people who have hypothyroidism more susceptible to viral infections?
Being hypothyroid results in a lowered basal body temperature. Most viruses and bacteria have a certain temperature threshold above which they cannot survive. That is how your body fights infection - by raising its temperature, i.e. a fever. Even maintaining a normal temperature helps to fend of most viruses and bacteria. Low body temperature does make you more susceptible to infections because it allows the virus and bacteria to survive and multiply. That's why most colds and flu occur in the winter. So, yes, being hypothyroid does make you more susceptible to infections because of the lowered body temperature. Dr. Broda Barnes discusses this in his book on hypothyroidism.
Alan
<p>[This message has been edited by moderator1 (edited 12-01-2001).]
Re: Are people who have hypothyroidism more susceptible to viral infections?
I have noticed I am definately getting sick more often then the people around me.
I read that is a thryoid thing too.
Take care,
Lori <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif">
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<I>I wish to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am</I>
Re: Are people who have hypothyroidism more susceptible to viral infections?
Hi, All.
Interesting conversation. I haven't been around lately, but this is part of the reason I've signed on. I finally finished a third round of antibiotics and a few days later I'm feeling pretty ill. Have a fever today. It seems to make sense that we'd be mroe susceptible to infection, but every so often I (a) get fed up and (b) wonder if it's something more causing this. Also, my legs have been hurting and tonight I noticed horrible bruises that have no known cause. Any thoughts?
ENUF <IMG SRC="http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif">
Re: Are people who have hypothyroidism more susceptible to viral infections?
Hi ENUFISENUF,
Stress uses up vitamin C, and a symptom of vit. C deficiency is bruising. You may need more C than you have been getting.<p>[This message has been edited by Tree Frog (edited 12-03-2001).]
