From your blood type to the composition of your immune system and the length of your ring finger, there have been many recent studies that have linked various genetic and physical traits with increased susceptibility to the coronavirus. But a recent survey may have made a new discovery about what could increase your risk of getting coronavirus: your height. Research shows that Being over six feet tall can make you twice as likely to catch COVID-19..
© Provided by Best Life
The University of Manchester report, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, comes from a survey of 2,000 people in the US and UK. The team of data scientists behind the research wanted to try to determine any potential personal and job predictors of coronavirus transmission, and they found a correlation between height and coronavirus. “Being tall is more than twice the probability of having a COVID-19 medical diagnosis or a positive test for people older than 6 feet,” the report says.
© Provided by Best Life
And while the findings may appear to show a physiological connection at first, the researchers say this evidence supports the idea that COVID-19 is in the air.
The team behind the survey, based in the United Kingdom, the United States and Norway, say their findings seem to give more weight to the idea that the coronavirus can spread through the air. The droplets, which are larger and heavier than the aerosol particles, tend to fall to the ground quickly rather than stay in the air. Therefore, the researchers note, these drops may not be responsible for the higher infection rate in tall people, The Telegraph Point out. According to the findings, the only explanation is that the aerosol particles that remain in the air are responsible for spreading the new coronavirus to those who are taller than the average person.
RELATED: For the most up-to-date information, subscribe to our daily newsletter.
“The results of this survey in terms of associations between height and diagnosis suggest that downward droplet transmission is not the only transmission mechanism and aerosol transmission is possible.” Evan Kontopantelis, PhD, of the University of Manchester, said in a statement. “Although social distancing is still important because droplet transmission is likely to occur, it suggests that masking may be just as or more effective in prevention. But air purification in indoor spaces should also be further explored.” .
While data scientists are confident in their findings, they hope their research will lead the discussions toward more information about how COVID-19 spreads. And for more information about how COVID affects some people and not others, see Why You May Already Be Safe From COVID, According To A New Study.
Gallery: Heart health symptoms you should never ignore: study (ETNT Health)
Keep reading
