New Research Suggests That Your Blood Type Can Increase COVID-19 Vulnerability: Identifying the Most At-Risk Individuals

**Blood Type and COVID-19: Are Some Types More Susceptible?**

*Exploring the Link Between Blood Type and COVID-19 Infection Risk*

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have been trying to understand why some individuals are more susceptible to severe illness than others. Recent studies have suggested a possible connection between blood type and the risk of infection. New research published in the journal *Blood* supports the notion that individuals with Type A blood may be at a higher risk compared to those with Type O blood.

**Identifying the Risk: Type A Blood More Susceptible**

Dr. Sean Stowell, lead author of the study and associate professor of pathology at Harvard Medical School, reveals that individuals with Type A blood have a 20% to 30% greater risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. This is concerning considering that approximately one-third of the U.S. population belongs to this blood type, making them more vulnerable.

**Understanding the Risk Factors for COVID-19 Infection**

Various factors contribute to the risk of COVID-19 infection and the severity of its symptoms. These factors include the strength of one’s immune system, the presence of underlying health conditions such as diabetes and obesity, and the level of exposure to the virus. Blood type appears to be another factor that influences susceptibility to the disease. Even when other factors are equal, if individuals with Type A and Type O blood are exposed to a COVID-positive person, Type A individuals are slightly more likely to get sick. This pattern was observed with the initial SARS-COV-1 coronavirus as well.

**Relevance in a Post-Pandemic World**

While the World Health Organization has declared the pandemic over, the virus is still present and circulating, as indicated by U.S. wastewater data. Though it may not currently cause severe illness for most individuals, experts are concerned that the virus could evolve and regain its dangerous potential in the future. Understanding the role of blood type in susceptibility could become relevant again if new variants emerge. Additionally, this knowledge may help shed light on why certain blood types are preferred by other viruses such as cholera and malaria.

**The Role of Blood Types B and AB**

Further research is needed to determine if the virus shows a preference for blood types B and AB. Dr. Stowell’s team is currently investigating how the virus responds to Type B blood. While the hypothesis has not been tested, there is a possibility that blood type could be relevant if individuals with Type B are exposed to the virus orally.

In conclusion, understanding the relationship between blood type and COVID-19 susceptibility provides valuable insight into the factors that influence infection risk. The significance of blood type may become even more relevant in the future if new variants of the virus emerge. Continued research in this area will not only aid in our fight against COVID-19 but also increase our understanding of other infectious diseases.