Question: I believe I have been suffering from some form of subacute thyroiditis, or at worst a form of hypothyroidism, and would like to know if it is safe to get a flu shot. I try to get one every year and have never had any side effects. As far as health issues, I have minor hypertension controlled by medication. No prior thyroid issues. I am a 37 yo male, 6’2” 190 lbs.

Regarding the thyroid, I am about 10 weeks into symptoms. I initially had about 3-4 weeks of hyperthyroid (this started around the time I had a minor cold). Symptoms of racing heart, hot, losing weight without trying and fatigue. Blood tests showed TSH of 0, high T3 and T4, high platelets, low hemoglobin, low hemocrit and slightly elevated ESR (I can provide exactly numbers if needed). I was referred to an endocrinologist who suggested a radioactive iodine uptake test. I asked to hold off due to numerous prior nuclear scans (due to injury). She did order a antithyroid antibody blood test which was negative ( negative was defined as <=122, my result was 99). Around 5-6 wks after symptoms began, my pulse began to normalize and I was less fatigued. Some days I even felt close to normal. However for the last 2-3 weeks, my pulse is very low, I am light headed, fatigued and often have a hard time concentrating. A recent blood test (that I got on my own) shows TSH is now higher than normal and T4 is low. At this point, I am really hoping this resolves on its own.

Again, I have no history of autoimmune diseases, nor is there any in my family. I do tend to get anxious with health related issues and that seems to have been worse recently. Any advice on the thyroid testing/treatment is welcome, but my main question is to whether I can get the flu shot or is it contraindicated.

Doctor,

Thank you for your answer.

I am not on steroid therapy, or any medication for that matter.

I did also want to add that my thyroid has never been painful throughout this process and the doctor did not find any goiter or nodule - she did say the thyroid was only slightly swollen. I have not had any of the other antibody tests that you mention, but will ask about getting them done.

I have read about some types of thyroiditis that seem to take several months to resolve. Is this possible? Lastly, is chronic hypothyroidism possible (hashimoto's) considering I first had hyperthyroid? I did not know if the two presented together.

Thank you again,