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Sex Differences in Long COVID | Infectious Diseases - JAMA Network
This cohort study examines whether there are differences in the risk of developing long COVID, or post-COVID condition, by sex. Sheira LA, et al. Menopause is associated with immune activation in women with HIV. J Infect Dis. 2022 … Karlson EW, et al. Sex Differences in Long COVID. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2455430. doi:10.1001 …
Their results indicated that women had a 31% higher chance of developing long COVID than men.
When broken down by age, this difference disappeared in people aged 18-39.Though, the risk was even greater in women aged 40-54, who had a 48% higher risk of developing the condition compared with men.Women over 55 had a 34% higher risk of developing long COVID.
, this finding is contrary too data on COVID infection severity, which shows men are more prone to developing severe symptoms.They also make up around two out of three COVID deaths.While researchers don’t currently know why women are at greater risk of long COVID, differences in the way men’s and women’s immune systems respond to COVID could be a factor.
Immune differences
The immune system is a fascinating,intricate system with many different types of cell,each of which has a specific role in fighting infection.
body may contribute to the progress of long COVID. This could explain why women are more likely to experience long-term symptoms after infection.Additionally, some studies have suggested that certain autoimmune conditions, which are more common in women, may also play a role in the development of long COVID. These conditions can led to an overactive immune response and chronic inflammation, which can contribute to the symptoms of long COVID.
It’s important to note that while these immune function differences may contribute to the greater risk of long COVID in women, other factors such as socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and underlying health conditions may also play a role.More research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay of factors that contribute to long COVID.
In the meantime, it’s crucial that healthcare providers take women’s symptoms seriously and consider their unique needs when managing long COVID.This may involve a multidisciplinary approach that addresses the various symptoms and potential underlying causes of long COVID in women.A recent study has indicated that certain factors may increase the possibility of long COVID occurring. Such prolonged, higher intensity immune responses are known to promote the development of autoimmune diseases – where the body’s immune system attacks itself. Women have a higher prevalence of many autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s, and others. This could explain why women are at greater risk of long COVID, possibly for the same reasons they’re at greater risk of developing an autoimmune condition.
the findings from this recent study add to our understanding of long COVID – pointing to which groups are at greatest risk of developing the condition. More work needs to be done to explore differences in how long COVID differs based on sex and age – and the mechanisms that trigger long COVID to begin with.
Through understanding the who and why of long COVID, it might allow for new treatments to be developed.
| Condition | Prevalence in Women |
|————————–|———————|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | Higher |
| Sjogren’s | Higher |
| Long COVID | Possibly Higher |
These insights could pave the way for more targeted interventions and treatments for those affected by long COVID.
