BLOOD TYPE and Covid risk.

There is some indication, based on very limited information, that people with blood type A are at slightly greater risk of being infected with Covid-19. What does this mean for you?

First of all, what is “blood type”? The whole “Typing” nomenclature is based on the type of sugar molecule one has on the surface of red blood cells. There are 4 types, based on your genetic inheritance, Type A, B, AB or O. In a nutshell, if you have type A, your body does not recognize Type B, or AB as “self” and forms antibodies against those cells causing them to rupture if you get a blood transfusion. Type B don’t recognize Type A or AB and attack them in the same way. Type O is known as the universal donor since they do not express either A or B proteins and thus, anyone, A, B or AB will not reject blood form a type O making them a “Universal Blood Donor”. Type O may have a lower risk of infection than the rest of the blood groups (type B and type AB). This was definitely seen in the SARS CoV-1 outbreak,

We are not sure why this is however it is theorized that it may have to do with the Type A antibodies, which Type B, AB or type O people would form, which may provide some inhibition of binding of the Cov-1 and 2 virus to the ACE-2 receptor, but we just don’t know. There are ongoing studies but there is nothing to indicate that serum transfusions from a Type B, AB or O person will provide any therapeutic benefit to someone with active Covid-19 infection.

Unlike the studies looking at plasma from previously Covid infected people possibly being helpful as a treatment because of circulating antibodies, no such studies are ongoing with respect to blood type.

How does this information help? Not significantly. Regardless of blood type, you need to minimize or prevent exposure by socially distancing, washing your hands, stop touching or rubbing your face and staying as healthy as possible by eating well, resting, managing stress and staying active.

Stay safe and be well.
AC 😎✌️🌱❤🐖🏃🏻🧘🏻‍♂️🌎