Are people with type A blood more vulnerable to coronavirus?

Could it be a risk factor?

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to claim lives across the world, more research is being done into how the virus spreads and who might be more susceptible to becoming seriously ill.

And it’s been suggested that genetics could play a part – with reports that people with type A blood could be at greater risk of suffering serious complications from Covid-19.

But are people with that blood type genuinely more likely to be badly affected?

Here’s what we know so far…

Are people with type A blood more vulnerable to coronavirus?

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The suggestion that type A blood could lead to more severe Covid-19 complications came after scientists in China reported higher rates of severe illness among people with that blood type.

A team of German researchers have since found a genetic root shared by many of those patients and those with Type A blood which appears to indicate that complications could be more likely.

The research showed that the patients concerned were 50 per cent more likely to need a ventilator or to be given oxygen after falling ill with Covid-19, compared to those with other blood types.

It might go some way to explaining why some young, healthy people are badly affected by the virus even when they don’t have any underlying health concerns.

What are the blood groups?

There are four main types of blood groups – O, A, AB and B.

Red blood cells also sometimes have another antigen, a protein which is known as the RhD antigen.

If this is present your blood group is positive and if it is not your blood group is negative.

As each of the four main groups can be either RhD positive or negative, this gives eight different blood groups in total.

Which is the most rare blood group?

The rarest blood group is considered to be AB-negative – with the NHS reporting that just one per cent of all blood donors belong to that group.

The most common is O-positive, with around 35 per cent of donors having that blood type, with O-negative being the next most common group, followed by A-positive, A-negative, B-positive, B-negative and AB-positive.

It can be life-threatening to receive blood from the wrong ABO blood group can be life-threatening, especially if someone who has A group blood receives blood from a B group, as the anti-A antibodies will attack the A group cells.

However group O blood does not contain any A or B antigens and can be given safely to another blood group – with O-negative often used in medical emergencies when the person’s blood group is not known.

How can you find out your blood group?

Your blood group is determined by your genes and is inherited from your parents – although tests to find out your blood group are not routinely given.

One of the quickest ways to find out your blood group is by giving blood, as you will be told your blood group the first time you donate.

Your blood group will also be checked if you donate to the NHS Blood and Transplant Service, and it will be recorded on your official donor card.

This is to ensure that your blood can be matched to someone who has the same blood group or a group which is compatible.

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