Study Reveals Women Face Higher Long Covid Risk Than Men

INIndia|

A recent study indicates that women have a 31% higher risk of developing long Covid compared to men, particularly affecting those aged between 40 and 55 years. This research, part of the 'RECOVER' trial and published in The Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open, highlights that among women in this age group, the risk is even more pronounced, with menopausal women facing a 42% risk and non-menopausal women a 45% risk.

Long Covid, which affects approximately one-third of individuals who have been infected with Covid-19, features persistent symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive difficulties long after the initial recovery. The study involved more than 12,200 participants who reported their symptoms via questionnaires conducted at least six months post-infection. Enrollments for the study occurred between October 2021 and July 2024.

The research team from The University of Texas emphasizes the need to identify biological processes that contribute to these sex-specific differences in long Covid. Lead researcher Thomas Patterson noted, "Understanding these differences can help us recognize and treat patients with long Covid more effectively."

The findings underscore the importance of recognizing gender disparities in health risks associated with long Covid, a condition that continues to be the subject of global research.

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