Women have a higher risk of occurring Long Covid according to new scientific study

The womenespecially in the age group of 40-54 years, have a higher risk of developing long-term symptoms COVID – 19according to a study published in the journal “Jama Network Open”.

The study used data for 12,276 people who were persuaded in 83 sites in 33 US states and Puerto Rico. Participants were enrolled in the study from October 29, 2021 to July 5, 2024 and were evaluated six months or more after their initial COVID-19 infection.

The study found that women had a 31% greater risk for Long Covid and the risk was even higher in the age group of 40-54 years. The risk of developing Long Covid in women depended on age, pregnancy and menopause. Specifically, in the age of 40-54 years the risk was 42% higher in menopausal participants and 45% higher in non-menopausal women compared to male participants.

Researchers also took into account factors such as vaccination, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, body mass index and Covid variant.

The study is part of an American national initiative launched by National Institutes of Health to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on health, called “Researching Covid to Enhance Recovery”.