A recent study published in the JAMA Network Open suggests that women might face a 31 percent higher risk of developing long COVID compared to men, with the most significant risk among women aged 40 to 55. The 'RECOVER' trial, involving over 12,200 participants, found that this risk is even higher in this age group, with a 42 percent increase for menopausal women and 45 percent for non-menopausal women.
Long COVID, which affects about a third of those who've had COVID-19, involves symptoms like fatigue and brain fog that last long after the initial infection. The study, conducted by researchers from The University of Texas, included participants from October 2021 to July 2024, who reported symptoms at least six months after infection.
The findings showed that women, except those aged 18-39, have a higher likelihood of long COVID regardless of factors like race, ethnicity, or the severity of their initial infection. This research is crucial for understanding risk factors, which could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies.
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Thomas Patterson, the lead researcher, reportedly emphasised the importance of identifying biological reasons for these sex-specific risks to improve treatment options. Dimpy Shah, another researcher, noted that considering sex differences could help in more effective patient care for long COVID, NDTV reported.
The study also points out that while women are known to be more prone to post-viral and autoimmune conditions, the exact mechanisms behind long COVID in different age groups are still not well understood.
This research, with its large and diverse participant pool, provides valuable insights into how sex at birth influences long COVID, considering various health factors like vaccination status and BMI.
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