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A new study out of China has shown an interesting wrinkle in the COVID-19 disease’s ability to spread and propagate. As we reported earlier, your blood type is a major indicator of whether you’re susceptible to the virus.
At the time of this writing, the paper has not yet been peer reviewed, but the findings show that, at least preliminarily, it would appear as though people with certain blood types could be at more risk of contracting the coronavirus and developing COVID-19 symptoms.
Researchers have surmised, from early data, that those with blood type A are at a much higher risk of developing the respiratory illness. “People of blood group A might need particularly strengthened personal protection to reduce the chance of infection,” they summarized.
“In contrast, ‘blood group O had a significantly lower risk for the infectious disease compared with non-O blood groups,” the researchers wrote in a paper published on March 11. The researchers noted that this information could be critical to understanding the virus, how it spreads, and who is at the highest risk of developing the disease.
As such, they noted, research groups, medical professionals and governments should consider blood testing and take blood type into consideration when testing for the virus. Those with type A blood need to take extra precautions in keeping themselves clear of potential infection vectors.
“If you are type A, there is no need to panic. It does not mean you will be infected 100 percent,” Gao Yingdai, one of the researchers, told reporters.
“If you are type O, it does not mean you are absolutely safe, either. You still need to wash your hands and follow the guidelines issued by authorities.”
Medical professionals across China, such as those in Shenzhen, Beijing, Wuhan and Shanghai, helped with the study in question. No one has yet peer-reviewed the paper, so its findings are only preliminary. They could later be proven untrue.
However, this is a good start in understanding who could be at the greatest risk.
Your genetics determine your blood type. Some people have markers, such as “A” or “B” microscopic markers on their red blood cells. Some people have both, giving them “AB” blood type. Those without any markers have Type O blood.
It’s unclear why the coronavirus seems to favor those with Type A blood. However, it is almost certainly related to the microscopic markers on some people’s red blood cells, and how they interact with the virus once it’s in the body.
