FEMALE HEALTH AMIDST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

As COVID-19 morbidity rates continue to increase tremendously across the world, it has a profound effect on female health. The available data suggest that men demonstrate greater disease severity and/or mortality than women in the middle-aged group, however, these differences seem not to be preserved in the elderly patients. Clinicians should consider gender disparities in diagnostic and therapeutic management. The severity of COVID-19 viral infection is tightly linked with cytokine balance which is inevitably influenced by hormonal changes. Lack of estrogens during the ageing process in women poses a significant threat during the acute phase as well as in the sequel, which may result in autoimmunity or long-term complications. Research on female ageing amid the COVID-19 pandemic is urgently needed to alleviate immune dysfunction in these patients, define best practices, and develop health promotion strategies.