Why Covid-19 is So Severe for Some People

Genes likely play a role

Why is Covid-19 so severe for some and not for others? It’s a common question for scientists during the pandemic. As Carl Zimmer reports in the New York Times, some early research suggests genes may have a role, with one preprint study (which means it hasn’t been peer reviewed yet, so keep that in mind) finding that having Type A blood was linked to a 50% increase in the likelihood that a person with Covid-19 would need oxygen or need to go on a ventilator. Read more below.