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A recent study led by UT Health San Antonio has found that females have a 31% higher associated risk of developing long COVID compared to males, with the risk being particularly pronounced in women aged 40 to 55 years. The research, part of the NIH’s RECOVER initiative, sheds light on the long-term health effects of COVID-19 and highlights the importance of sex-based differences in understanding the condition.
Key Findings from the Study
The study followed 12,276 participants and accounted for factors such as race, ethnicity, COVID variant, infection severity, and non-medical social determinants of health. Researchers found that the risk of long COVID in females was influenced by age, pregnancy, and menopausal status. Women in the 40 to 55 age group showed the highest risk, with menopausal women experiencing a 42% increased risk compared to men and non-menopausal women showing a 45% higher risk.
Dr. Dimpy Shah, the corresponding author and assistant professor at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, emphasized the importance of recognizing sex-based differences in long COVID risk. “Understanding these differences can help us recognize and treat patients with long COVID more effectively,” she said.
The RECOVER Study: Largest Cohort for Long COVID Research
The RECOVER study represents the most extensive investigation into long COVID to date, with participants from 83 sites across the United States and Puerto Rico. Using advanced data analysis techniques, researchers examined a range of factors, including vaccination status, comorbidities, and COVID-19 variants, to provide a comprehensive understanding of long COVID risk across demographics.
Dr. Thomas Patterson, principal investigator for the PREVAIL South Texas RECOVER hub, called the findings critical for advancing prevention and treatment strategies for the condition.
A Gendered Impact of Post-Viral Syndromes
While males generally experience more severe acute COVID-19 outcomes, females appear to be more prone to lingering symptoms, echoing patterns seen in other post-viral and autoimmune conditions. The study’s findings underscore the need for tailored medical approaches that account for these differences.
“We hope this encourages other researchers to explore why there are differences in the risk of developing long COVID based on your assigned sex at birth,” Shah added.
Disclaimer:
This article summarizes the findings of the study titled “Sex Differences in Long COVID” published in JAMA Network Open on January 22, 2025. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for personalized recommendations.
