What men need to know about COVID-19

Why is the Covid infection in men higher and more serious than in women? Join researchers to learn about the link between COVID-19 and men's health.

While women often actively protect themselves by wearing masks, anti-droplet masks, and applying many Covid prevention measures at the same time (washing hands, rinsing mouth...) tendency to be subjective and avoid these things. The root cause may be due to society's view of masculinity, where men are socialized to suppress negative emotions and maintain a confident, strong appearance. If a man trusts definitions of "manly" and "masculine", then wearing a mask or avoiding large gatherings can be a sign of fear and weakness for him. . This notion is so pervasive that not only does it apply to Covid-19, men have also been noted to be less likely to wear seat belts while driving and also more likely to die in accidents.

Some men are often more at risk of health problems than women due to unhealthy life habits such as smoking, alcohol use, stimulants, stress - drag long time due to pressure, work... These processes go on for a long time putting them at risk of problems like diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease... these are all the more important factors. Factors that increase the risk of complications if the patient is unfortunately infected with Covid-19.

The third reason is that men often seek medical help when the condition has worsened. At this time, Covid may have led to many complications such as acute pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, liver, heart and kidney damage; problems with smell, vision, memory, need to breathe oxygen through the nose and tracheostomy tube ...
Delays in detection and treatment have made complications more serious, the medical team also little opportunity to apply non-invasive means of support. Around the world, men infected with the new strain of Covid have nearly 2.5 times higher hospitalization rates and mortality rates than women.

Another theory that is also being explored by researchers is that men are at higher risk of severe and severe Covid-19 infection possibly due to differences in hormones and an enzyme called ACE2. While the hormone estrogen offers women a protective edge against Covid, men, on the other hand, only have very small amounts of estrogen. Besides, men also have higher ACE2 levels. This enzyme binds to the mutant protein found in the virus, allowing Covid-19 to more easily enter the lungs.
Above are the latest studies that explain why the Covid infection in men tends to be higher and more severe than in women. So what should men do to protect themselves and those around them from Covid? The advice is to actively wear a mask when in contact with others; keep distance in public places, crowds; Wash your hands often and tell your doctor right away if you have any health problems.
Men should follow the recommended precautions to proactively protect themselves first, and then those around them. Learning more information about Covid-19, its impact on men, will help them better understand the risks they may face.

References: blogs.webmd.com, data.unwomen.org