Partly True: People with AB and B blood groups are more susceptible to COVID-19.

By: Ganashree N A
May 17 2021

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Research indicates that non-O blood group carriers could be at increased risk of COVID-19 infection, but research is ongoing. Since the outbreak of COVID‐19, scientists have been trying to find links between blood groups and the virus. According to a review published by the Wiley Online Library, several studies suggest that those with O blood types were less likely to test positive for COVID‐19. In contrast, non‐O blood groups, particularly group A, have a higher susceptibility to COVID-19. It has also been observed that mortality rates and the severity of the virus were lower among O blood group carriers. But the review noted that this is just speculation,n and warrants further clinical studies on the association between blood groups and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A recent study by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India also indicated that people with AB and B blood groups were more susceptible to COVID-19. However, the research paper is a sample survey of 10,000 people in India and has not been peer-reviewed. We mark the claim as partly true, as while preliminary studies have shown that O group blood carriers have lower infection rates, further analysis is required to confirm the observations. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19, including symptoms, prevention, and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organization or your national healthcare authority.