Author : Dr. P. D. GUPTA
Former Director Grade Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
www.daylife.page
Choosy CoronaTiny Corona has no brain but still it acts like a brilliant “PERSON”, it can differentiate men and women, it does not infect equally to all the human population. It is choosy while infecting the human population. The patterns of corona infection in the human population are complex and influenced by various factors, including temperature, humidity, social mobility, and population immunity. There is a notable positive correlation between temperature and transmission, with higher temperatures generally associated with lower levels of transmission. However, the impact of climate on transmission varies by region and time of year. It infects more women than men; among them also more older people than younger one.
Men V/s Women
Overall, males and females suffer differently from COVID-19 due to a complex interplay between many biological and socio-cultural factors. Immunologically, the female-biased protection against COVID-19 could presumably be due to a more rapid and robust immune response to viruses exhibited by males. The female hormones, e.g., estrogens and progesterone, may have protective roles against viral infections. Estrogen potentially plays a role in biological explanation for the reduced severity of COVID-19 in females. Comorbidities, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney disorders, are considered significant risk factors for severe outcomes in COVID-19. Age-adjusted data shows that males are statistically more vulnerable to these morbidities. Men after infection, in general, are more involved with high-risk of death may be due to smoking and alcohol consumption. In many parts of the world, women are more likely to abide by health regulations, e.g., mask-wearing and hand washing, than men and that is why morbidity is less and recovery is better after infection.
There are reasons for that. However, the subjects who are carrying blood group ‘O’ can be spared. Bald man with blood group ’A’ is worst hit. It is not yet certain but data show that sex steroid hormones and X chromosome products are able to keep this virus away besides immunity, life style, environment and genetic reasons. Strong immunity can certainly fight with this virus as it does for all infections.
Data from last COVID-19 pandemic from 73 countries the infection fatality rate (IFR) in men vs. women and risk of death and is recorded as 42,933,757 were in women and 40,187,894 in men; 1,274,663 men and 971,899 women died. The IFR was higher in males (3.17%) than in women (2.26%). Data in general show higher fatality rates among men than among women.
COVID-19 responses varied by gender. Males account for 59–68% of cases and have higher mortality rates. It has been estimated that the risk of death from COVID-19 is 20% higher in men than women. In addition, men are more prone than women to developing serious complications that require intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mechanical ventilation.
Descriptive findings were sex-disaggregated. The multiple experiences listed were then subject to factor analyses using principal components methods and orthogonal rotation. Although women's poorer health implies greater suffering, when morbidities are categorized men often report more life-threatening chronic diseases while women describe a greater number of disabling but not life-threatening conditions
Gender differences in COVID symptoms
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COVID affect people differently
Some individuals who contract COVID-19 have what is called a “cytokine storm,” which is an aggressive immune response that leads to even higher levels of inflammation. Second, as the Radiolab podcast discussed, people who have chronic inflammation seem to be affected more severely by COVID-19.
While males are generally more likely to experience severe COVID-19 outcomes, it's important to remember that not all individuals are the same. Different outcomes for men and women might be due to health behaviors, as men are more prone to smoke and are heavy drinkers than women. In critically ill patients, multiple organs are often affected. The virus binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors present in vascular endothelial cells, lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, intestine, liver, pharynx, and other tissue. It can directly injure these organs.
Additionally, other risk factors for COVID-19 severity, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease, are more prevalent in men. This is likely due to several factors, including differences in immune response, hormone levels, and genetic variations. The severity of infection can also depend on other factors, including age, overall health, and pre-existing conditions.
Side effects of Corona
COVID-19 can have both short-term and long-term side effects. Common short-term symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Long-term effects, known as Post-COVID-19 condition, can persist for weeks or months after initial infection and may include persistent fatigue, breathing difficulties, cognitive issues, and other health problems.
A. Short-term side effects:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Headache
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Digestion problems (loose stools, constipation, bloating)
Loss of taste or smell
B. Long-term side effects (Post-COVID-19 condition or Long COVID):
Persistent fatigue
Shortness of breath
Cognitive difficulties (brain fog, difficulty concentrating)
Sleep problems
Other illnesses (migraines, lung disease, autoimmune conditions)
Heart problems
Mood and anxiety disorders
Stroke or blood clots
Myalgic encephalomyelitis-chronic fatigue syndrome (ME-CFS)
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
Mast cell activation syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Diabetes
Hyperlipidemia
(The author has his own study and views)
