COVID-19 has a preference for infecting blood type A over blood type O
- New research from Harvard University suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus behind COVID-19, has a preference for infecting blood type A over blood type O.
- The study, published in the journal Blood, found that the virus more effectively binds to blood group A cells, potentially increasing the risk of infection by 25 to 50 percent compared to blood group O cells. However, it is important to note that blood type alone does not determine an individual’s susceptibility to the virus, and other factors such as age, immune suppression, and chronic conditions play a more significant role in determining the severity of illness.
- The spike proteins on the virus’s surface appear to bind more easily to blood group A cells, explaining the preference. While further research is needed to explore the impact on other blood types, understanding the virus’s behavior can be valuable for future health concerns.
- Experts still emphasize the importance of vaccination, booster shots, and mask-wearing in crowded indoor spaces, regardless of blood type.
