New research suggests that certain blood types could protect a person from coronavirus.
But experts say there’s more to know about COVID-19 and blood jot down.
First of all: What are blood types and how do they work?
Your blood plays a big role in your immune systems ability to defend the body.
White blood cells circulating in the bloodstream produce antibodies to attack foreign invaders like germs and viruses.
And compounds on the surface of your red blood cells called blood group antigenshelp recognize said foreign invaders.
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The most common is group O, and the least common is group AB.
Your cells also make A or B antibodies against the blood jot down antigens theydonthave.
People with group A blood make anti-B antibodies, and people with group B blood make anti-A antibodies.
What do blood types have to do with COVID-19?
The fact that multiple different research groups are reporting this association probably speaks to some kind of association.
But at present, the strength of this association is highly uncertain, says Dr. Gehrie.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Its not a formal proof…but its a strong indication, says Dr.
Le Pendu says the copies likely carry the same antigens of that person.
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In a person with throw in A blood, for example, the virus will have group A antigens.
These two concurrent hypotheses could work together.
Theyre not mutually exclusive, says Dr. She notes that certain blood types aremore common by race and ethnicity.
What does this mean for how we fight the virus?
All experts agree that more research is in order.
For now, the strength of the association is unknown, he says.
Le Pendu is hopeful researchers could find a way to increase antibody levels to increase protection.
If you receive a blood transfusion with an incompatible blood typei.e.
We have nothing that works so far.
Were just starting to see how that [could] be done, says Dr. ## What are the takeaways for everyday people?
Your overall risk [would be] slightly lower, but that doesnt mean youre protected, says Dr. Bottom line: aAnyone of any blood group can potentially become very sick from COVID-19.
Blood bang out is almost irrelevant, says Dr. Comenzo.
The good news is, the worlds best researchers are working on the problem.
The number of trials for treatments are exploding, says Dr. Murray.
Hopefully well have better treatmentsand maybe even a full-fledged vaccinesoon.
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