This Blood Type Might Protect You Against the Coronavirus

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Initial findings of a genetics testing firm show that people with blood Type O are 9-18% less likely to contract the coronavirus compared to other blood types.
• A similar study in China in March showed that Type O is the least susceptible and A is the most susceptible to COVID-19.
• The relationship on how genetics and susceptibility to the novel coronavirus still need additional research.

Genetics Testing firm, 23andMe, have preliminary results of a study that connects blood types to protection against the novel coronavirus and how genetics play a role.

Why are some people prone to contracting the virus, SARS-CoV2, develop severe infections, compared to others who only have mild symptoms or none at all.

The company used its testing facilities shortly after Covid19 started spreading and had 750,000 participants.

Initial results of the study point out that Type Blood O is between 9-18% less likely to get a positive result on the coronavirus test, compared to other blood types. Regardless of body mass index, age, sex, co-morbidities, and ethnicity, the result is the same.  This shows that a person’s blood type would have an effect on how susceptible one is to the virus.

Although these are just initial findings, a published study in China in March showed that those with Blood Type O are also less susceptible, with Blood Type A as the most susceptible.

Adam Auton, the study’s lead researcher of 23andMe told Bloomberg that, “There have also been some reports of links between COVID-19, blood clotting, and cardiovascular disease. These reports provided some hints about which genes might be relevant.”

Other companies are also looking into the relationship between genetics and how it affects susceptibilities to certain diseases. These are just initial results.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us to wear facial masks/coverings and maintain 6 feet or more distance from each other for protection.

Source: Fox News