Information for Thyroid Patients About Flu / Influenza

If you're a thyroid patient, or have the autoimmune thyroid conditions Hashimoto's or Graves' disease, you may have questions about flu / influenza, the risks and benefits of flu shots, and the swine flu risk posed by pork/porcine thyroid medications. These and other questions, as well as helpful resources, about flu for thyroid patients are explored.

Thyroid-Specific Information

If you're a thyroid patient, there are several specific articles of interest here at the About.com Thyroid site that relate specifically to flu/influenza.

Do Thyroid Patients Need a Flu Shot?
Whether or not thyroid and autoimmune disease patients should or should not get a flu shot -- the influenza vaccine -- each year is always a controversial question. Here is a look at some of the considerations.

Cough & Cold Medicines and Decongestants: What Should Thyroid Patients Take for Cold and Flu?
Why do over-the-counter cough medicines, cold medicines, and decongestants say "Do Not Take If You Have Thyroid Disease"? And what CAN you take for cold and flu?

Swine Flu and Desiccated Porcine Thyroid Medication From Pigs
A look at whether there is any potential risk of swine flu from the natural thyroid drugs that are made from desiccated porcine thyroid -- derived from pigs.

About.com Flu Resources

About.com health guides offer extensive coverage of influenza information, including the following:

• About.com's Cold/Flu Site
• About the Flu

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Influenza/Flu Information

The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintain an up-to-date website that tracks influenza.

• Flu Basics
• Key Facts About Seasonal Flu
• 2011-2012 Flu Season
• Symptoms & Severity
• People at High Risk from Flu
• Treatment (Antiviral Drugs)