(According to ajc.com and katu.com)
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School assessed a protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the cause of COVID-19) called the receptor binding domain, or RBD. The RBD is the part of the virus that attaches to the host cells, so it is an important research target for understanding how infection occurs. The study was published Wednesday in the journal Blood Advances.
“This is a really curious finding,” said Dr. Tara Kirk Sell to The National Desk’s Jan Jeffcoat. “It’s not exactly clear what’s going on, but we’ve seen type O seems to be protective.”
The study found that those with type A blood may be more susceptible. “The virus that causes COVID might more easily grab onto those respiratory cells of people who have type A blood,” said Dr. Sell. “So the virus can get into and start replicating in people with type A blood more easily, and they might be more susceptible.”
Another factor that could put you at risk, is your weight. 78% of people hospitalized were overweight or obese, according to a new study.
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