The study suggests that people with type A blood are most at risk of contracting the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting our daily lives for over a year as we continue to deal with the virus. The roll-out of vaccinations has been gradual and recovery seems finally in sight. Pandemic recovery from the relatively new virus depends in part on the spread and growth of the virus at a pace that experts can continue to monitor. A new study suggesting that people with certain blood types are more likely to contract the virus may delay pandemic healing efforts a bit more. Research published March 3 in the scientific journal Blood progression suggests that individuals with type A blood may be at greater risk of infection than those with other blood types. They note that if you have type A blood, you still don’t need to worry too much if you’re using regular COVID-19 prevention methods. Studies have essentially found that the new coronavirus strain is mainly attracted to the blood group A antigen found on respiratory cells. “Interestingly, the viral RBD only really favors the type of blood group A antigens that reside on the respiratory cells, which is probably how the virus enters and infects most patients,” said Sean Stowell, who co author of the study. “Blood type is challenging because it is inherited and not something we can change. … But if we can better understand how the virus interacts with blood types in humans, we may be able to find new drugs or prevention methods. “ They further suggested that this is even more reason for people with type A blood to get vaccinated if they qualify. [via]
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