COVID-19, the infection that took that world by storm, has devastated millions. Even with the stay-at-home orders and quarantining due to the pandemic, there is still a chance almost anyone can catch COVID-19. However, depending on a person’s blood type, some may have a higher (or lower) chance than others.

     Recent studies reported that people with blood type O, or RH negative blood,  may be less likely to be infected with COVID-19 than people with blood types A, B, or AB. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, blood type O allows for a little more cushion and protection against this horrific infection. Different researchers all around the world have found that among the people they tested, fewer people tested COVID-19 positive with blood type O than people with the other three blood types.

     On top of this major discovery, folks with type O blood—also known as the universal donor—also have the reduced likelihood of critical effects if they do end up testing positive for COVID-19. According to another retrospective study, the COVID-19 severity is worse on patients with other than type O and B blood. With all of these findings, it suggests that A and AB are the most susceptible to this disease and will have the greatest severity of it, having the increased risk of organ failure or paralysis.

     Although considering the range of countries and ethnic groups, the type of blood one may have still aligns with what researchers have discovered. However, medical professionals and scientists advise that people not take this lightly as everyone is still vulnerable COVID-19.