WHAT DO STATISTICS SAY?
According to statistics, it seems that more men are dying from Covid-19, compared to women. Possible reasons, which we will address in more detail below, may be related to biology and bad habits.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that in Europe, 63% of Covid-19-related deaths occur in men. Similarly, in a March study by the Higher Institute of Health in Rome, it was said that of Italians hospitalized, 8% of men died, compared with 5% of women. In early April, the New York Department of Health reported that the number of men dying was nearly twice as high.
WHAT ABOUT ALBANIA?
A similar situation seems to be in our country. Official figures from the Institute of Public Health show that although the number of women affected by Covid-19 is higher, the outcome varies when it comes to deaths. According to the Institute of Public Health, referring to the number of deaths as of November 20, 67% are men.
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
"Some of the main reasons why COVID-19 may be more deadly to men than women may include the fact that heart disease is more common in older men than in older women," Dr. told Healthline. Stephen Berger, an infectious disease expert and co-founder of the Global Network of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology. "Studies also find that high blood pressure and liver disease are more prevalent in men and all of these contribute to more negative outcomes with COVID-19."
The immune system can be a factor. "Genetics can also play a big role," said Dr. Berger. "Women, because of their extra X chromosome, have a stronger immune system and response to infections than men."
Another factor thought to be the enzyme known as ACE2. This enzyme, which is more concentrated in men, enables the coronavirus to infect healthy cells.
Lifestyle factors cannot be left out. All behaviors that negatively affect the lungs play a major role in coronavirus fatality. Studies show that, in general, smoking - which damages the lungs - is more common among men.
Air pollution is also important, as men are more prone to work outdoors and this can affect the way their body responds to infection.
The way we consider a risk also has its own significance. A poll by Gallup in the first period of March, found that women were more concerned about Covida-19 than men (respectively 62% and 58%). Because of this, men look more exposed to the virus.
Add to that the fact that compared to women, men are more likely to ignore the symptoms of the disease and not take them seriously.
