COVID Blood Types | Are they associated with severe illness? In a recent YouTube video presented by Dr. Keith Moran on his channel "Medicine with Dr. Moran," the relationship between blood types and COVID-19 severity was explored. The discussion stemmed from early research that suggested some blood types, particularly type A, might be linked to a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, while blood type O could offer some protective benefits.
Key Findings from the Video
Dr. Moran began by addressing the early reports from China that indicated blood type A could correlate with increased susceptibility to the virus. Subsequent studies conducted in Italy and Spain seemed to echo these findings, associating blood type A with a higher risk of severe COVID-19, while blood type O was thought to be less susceptible. To validate these findings, a significant observational study conducted across Utah, Idaho, and Nevada was analyzed. This study compiled data from 24 hospitals and 215 clinics, involving nearly 108,000 individuals tested for COVID-19 from March to November 2020. Out of those, approximately 11,468 had positive PCR tests for COVID-19.
Results Overview
- Blood Type Distribution Among COVID-19 Patients:
- Blood Type A: 39.6%
- Blood Type B: 9%
- Blood Type AB: 3.2%
- Blood Type O: 48.1% These percentages mirrored those of the non-infected control group, suggesting that blood type did not significantly affect the likelihood of acquiring the virus.
- Hospitalization Rates: The study (which encompassed hospitalization data) showed no significant discrepancies between blood types regarding hospitalization or ICU admission rates:
- Blood Type A: 39% hospitalized
- Blood Type B: 9%
- Blood Type AB: 3%
- Blood Type O: 48%
Conclusion
Dr. Moran concluded his video by emphasizing that the large-scale study did not corroborate any distinct associations between blood types and susceptibility or severity of COVID-19. This finding is particularly significant as the studied population was predominantly of Northern European ancestry, which minimizes concerns about broader genetic diversity affecting the results.
Community Engagement
This topic is not just scientifically intriguing; it resonates with many in the community who have pondered whether their blood type could influence their COVID-19 risk. What are your thoughts on the implications of blood types on health? Have you come across any other studies that provide differing perspectives? Share your insights below!
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