Long COVID remains a puzzle that scientists are trying to piece together through widespread research efforts. There are still many unknowns, but research published this month has provided a clearer picture of the condition.
A study published [June 21] found that women are more likely to develop long COVID than men. That came on the heels of research that suggests, among vaccinated people, long COVID is less likely following an omicron infection.
Not only does the latest research indicate that women are at greater risk, but the study also found they experience different symptoms. Women experienced a wide variety of symptoms, including fatigue; ear, nose and throat issues; and mood, neurological, skin, gastrointestinal and rheumatological disorders.
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Men were more likely to develop endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, and kidney disorders.
“Differences in immune system function between females and males could be an important driver of sex differences in long COVID syndrome,” the researchers said. “Females mount more rapid and robust innate and adaptive immune responses, which can protect them from initial infection and severity. However, this same difference can render females more vulnerable to prolonged autoimmune-related diseases.”
