When it comes to COVID-19, blood type was not previously a measure associated with symptoms or mortality, however, as the world continues its search to understand how the virus evolves and destroys, scientists have discovered a strong link and if you have this type of blood you may be more at risk.

READ MORE

• High cholesterol: A supplement proven to lower cholesterol

The deadly virus has hit some people harder than others, with some experiencing only mild symptoms and others needing hospitalisation and the use of a ventilator.

Mortality rates of COVID-19 are mainly driven by patients who are more susceptible to respiratory failure after contracting either pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome.

However, scientists and researchers have recently discovered that a person’s blood type may also be a key indicator when it comes to mortality from the deadly virus.

Read More: Coronavirus map LIVE: UK second wave panic as terrifying letter

In a study with the New England Journal of Medicine, genomewide association of severe COVID-19 with respiratory failure was investigated.

The study noted: “There is considerable variation in disease behaviour among patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease.

“Genomewide association analysis may allow for the identification of potential genetic factors involved in the development of COVID-19.

“We conducted a genomewide association study involving 1980 patients with COVID-19 and severe disease at seven hospitals in the Italian and Spanish epicentres of the pandemic in Europe.”

The study determined an association signal coincided with the ABO blood group in the blood-group-specific analysis and showed a higher risk in blood group A than in other blood groups. 

DON’T MISS
Coronavirus chaos as UK economy descends into biggest ‘catastrophe’ – ANALYSIS
Sadly, we’ve changed but not for the braver, says FREDERICK FORSYTH – COMMENT
Coronavirus warning – scientist warns of ‘unusual’ new COVID symptom – INSIGHT

In another study with MedRxiv, the relationship between the ABO blood group and COVID-19 susceptibility.

The study said: “The novel coronavirus disease has been spreading around the world rapidly and has been declared as a pandemic by WHO.

“Here, we compared the ABO blood group distribution in 2,173 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 test from three hospitals in Wuhan and Shenzhen, China with that in normal people from the corresponding regions.

“The results showed that blood group A was associated with a higher risk for acquiring COVID-19 compared with non-A blood groups, whereas blood group O was associated with a lower risk for the infection compared with non-O blood groups.” 

READ MORE

• Best supplements for weight loss: A supplement to help

Dr Mary Cushman, a haematologist and professor at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont spoke to Healthline and said: “These results can’t be used to lessen the serious precautions that everyone needs to take, regardless of their blood type.

“Someone on social media this weekend wondered if the type O people in families should be the ones sent out for shopping, for instance.

“We definitely don’t’ want people thinking they can be protected and don’t have to take precautions because they are type O.”

Researchers remain perplexed as to how and why blood types have such an involvement in determining who is worse off from the virus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) state those most vulnerable from COVID-19 include the elderly and those with respiratory issues.

It’s important to take the necessary precautions regardless of what type of blood group you are.

Common symptoms of the novel virus include a cough, shortness of breath and a fever. 

Source: Read Full Article