Gender differences in sequelae from COVID-19 infection

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19 or COVID), caused by SARS-Cov-2, manifests in distinct stages during the acute and long term. The frequently reported long-term consequences of COVID, or postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), include symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal problems, mental health problems, and more. Gender differences play a notable role in the physiopathology of COVID symptoms, as men exhibit more severe acute inflammatory symptoms while women are predisposed to long-term symptoms associated with autoimmunity. While initial research on the consequences of COVID is underway, ongoing studies are essential to comprehensively understand the mechanisms of COVID, especially in relation to gender-specific effects. This chapter synthesizes current research on the gender-dependent impacts of COVID across critical domains such as immunological profiles, microbiome influences, autoimmunity, vascular characteristics, endocrine system effects, and genetic predispositions. Unraveling the distinct pathophysiology of COVID in men and women is pivotal for tailoring personalized treatments for maximal effectiveness.