Are we equal in adversity? Does Covid-19 affect women and men differently?

Abstract

Background & objectives: This article examines whether women are less prone than men to Covid-19 infections and their complications. Data sources: We reviewed available databases and searched systematically for publications. To be taken into account, data had to be broken down by gender. There was no study evaluation nor quantification synthesis, due to the large heterogeneity of the studies. Nineteen databases were selected. 73 publications were considered and 33 were selected, to which 12 more were added. Results: Globally, the proportion of men and women who tested positive is comparable. However, men are about 60 % more likely to be severely ill or to die from the complications of Covid-19 than are women. Limitations: The study was hampered by a large heterogeneity in testing and reporting of the data. Conclusions: Although in the pandemic men die more frequently than women from Covid-19, it is not clear whether this is due to biological differences between men and women, differences in behavioral habits, or differences in the rates of co-morbidities. Implications of key findings: Countries and studies should report their data by age, gender and co-morbidities. This may have implications in terms of vaccination strategies, the choice of treatments and future consequences for long-term health issues concerning gender equality.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19): A Short Review on Hematological Manifestations

“…Preliminary studies have suggested that the sex of an individual is a factor associated with the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the severity of the disease [128][129][130]. De Lusignan et al, [128] found that the male sex is associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.…”

“…De Lusignan et al, [128] found that the male sex is associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, males often develop a more severe form of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are more likely to die from the disease compared with females [129,130]. Dangis et al, [131] drew a computed tomography (CT)-based association between the male sex and extensive lung disease, independently of age and time of symptoms onset.…”

Sex Differences in Reported Adverse Drug Reactions to COVID-19 Drugs in a Global Database of Individual Case Safety Reports

“…Throughout Europe, 73% of admissions to ICUs were men. Deaths were more common among men than among women in all countries except India and Pakistan [7].…”

“…The authors concluded that men and women had a similar incidence of the diseases, but that men with COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-1 infection were at higher risk of worse outcomes and death, independent of age [6]. A review of 48 articles representing multiple countries and databases confirmed this finding [7], reporting that males accounted for 55-62% of hospitalized patients. The sex imbalance was even more pronounced for admissions to intensive care units (ICUs), with a male proportion of 65-74%.…”

Perfil epidemiológico dos óbitos por Coronaví­rus (COVID -19) em Mato Grosso

“…Os homens apresentaram maior proporção de óbitos por COVID-19, cerca de 56,4% a mais que as mulheres, mesmo estas apresentando idade média superior aos homens. Outros estudos também têm apontado maior ocorrência do evento nesse grupo, que acompanham, também, as tendências brasileiras para o mesmo período 7,8 .…”