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We know about most of the pre-existing conditions that can increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 or suffering from severe complications as a result of it.

I say ‘most’ because research into the virus and how it affects different people is a work in progress.

Obesity, kidney disease, a weakened immune system, heart conditions, and diabetes are among the pre-existing conditions that make people more vulnerable to the disease.

In South Africa, data has shown similar findings.

Most of these are conditions that affect the health of the person in a way that, when COVID-19 is added to the mix, make it harder for the body to fight off infection.

Then there’s a new study, which has added a physical attribute to the list that no one was expecting.

The Telegraph with more:

An international team of researchers, including experts from the University of Manchester and Open University, surveyed 2,000 people in the UK and US to look at whether personal attributes, work and living practices might influence transmission.

The team found taller people are at higher risk, which scientists say suggests coronavirus is transmitting through the air because height would not make a difference if people were contracting it exclusively through droplets.

If you’re over six feet tall, says the study, you have more than double the chance of being diagnosed with COVID-19,

Sure, you’re killing it on Tinder, but chalk one up for the little guy when it comes to the ‘Rona.

The scientists say that the risk is further increased in areas that are not well-ventilated, where aerosols can accumulate. Droplets are bigger than aerosols and likely to travel very short distances, while aerosols rise and linger.

Professor Evan Kontopantelis, of the University of Manchester, said: “The results of this survey in terms of associations between height and diagnosis suggest downward droplet transmission is not the only transmission mechanism and aerosol transmission is possible.”

“This has been suggested by other studies, but our method of confirmation is novel.

“Though social distancing is still important, because transmission by droplets is still likely to occur, it does suggest that mask wearing may be just as – if not more – effective in prevention. But also, air purification in interior spaces should be further explored.”

The paper has yet to be peer-reviewed, but the overarching message corresponds with the advice that all experts are giving out:

Wear a mask.

[source:telegraph]