Coronavirus explainer: Study finds women more likely to get long COVID than men; symptoms to note in men vs. women

From mild, moderate to severe infections to long term COVID-19 distress, also known as long COVID or post-COVID-19 condition, the coronavirus pandemic brought along several reasons to frown upon and worry about.

The unpredictable nature of the disease, especially the vagueness around long COVID, continues to be a source of concern for many experts and doctors. Scientists are constantly making efforts to find answers to the mysterious condition, which is said to linger on for weeks and months after an infection.

In a recent review of research, it was found that women are far more likely to suffer from long COVID than men. The research was conducted with an aim to emphasize on the need for facts and figures on the disease among men and women to be collected and analysed separately, as per study authors.

Also read: Coronavirus explainer: Study reveals which COVID variant is more likely to cause long COVID

The study conducted by a team of researchers from Johnson and Johnson, looked at previously existing research, carried out between December 2019 and August 2020 for Covid and from January 2020 to June 2021 for long Covid, which evaluated the effects of COVID-19 on 1.3 million people.

Published in Current Medical Research and Opinion, the study is among the first to assess the specific health conditions that take place as an outcome of coronavirus-related illness by gender.

According to the study authors, "Knowledge about fundamental sex differences underpinning the clinical manifestations, disease progression, and health outcomes of Covid- 19 is crucial for the identification of effective therapies. Differences in immune system between females and males could be an important driver of sex differences in long Covid."

"Females mount more rapid and robust immune responses, which can protect them from initial infection.

"However, this same difference can render females vulnerable to prolonged autoimmune-related diseases," they added.

As per the study, females were more at risk of developing ear, nose, and throat issues, low mood, skin problems, trouble digesting and painful joints as well as fatigue, whereas, diabetes and kidney disorders were more prevalent in men.

There are several risk factors of long COVID, meaning factors that can increase your chances of developing the condition.

Experts believe age, an underlying health condition, high viral load, prevalence of autoantibodies - an antibody made against substances formed by a person's own body - and vaccination status can determine whether you're prone to long COVID or not.

That said, those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 and its long term health complications, should be vigilant and must take all precautionary measures including wearing a well-fitted mask, maintaining social distance and getting your vaccination.