More risk to men from Covid-19 than women

Men infected with coronavirus disease (Covid-19) appear to be at a significantly higher risk of having severe symptoms and dying when compared to women, according to data collected by Global Health 50/50


PERCENTAGE OF DEATHS BY GENDER FROM COVID-19 (as of Apr 3, 2020)

Men Women

Italy 		69 31
Denmark		67 33
Germany 	65 35 
China		64 36
Spain 		63 37
Netherlands	61 39
Iran 		59 41
France		58 42
Portugal 	58 42
South Korea	53 47


POSSIBLE FACTORS PUTTING MEN AT GREATER RISK
  
Smoking: Globally, men are more likely to have smoked more heavily and for longer periods than women. Evidence from China shows smokers with Covid-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe respiratory disease

Other coronaviruses: During previous outbreaks of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), scientists noticed that men seemed more susceptible than women

Risky behaviour
Men less likely to seek medical help at first signs of disease or to follow public health advice such as washing their hands

Biology: Female sex hormone oestrogen plays role in increasing women’s antiviral response. Many genes that regulate immune system are encoded on X chromosome (of which women have two while men only have one)


Sources: AP, France 24, Global Health 50/50, GOV.UK 
Picture: CDC 
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