Sickle cell anemia is an inherited red blood cell disorder caused by a mutation in the gene responsible to make haemoglobin. In sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as previous studies had shown that individuals with sickle cell anemia have worse outcomes with influenza infection when compared to others. Long-term effects of COVID-19 on patients with sickle cell anemia will be clear only with clinical studies in the future,” he explained. There is a significant overlap in symptoms of Covid-19 and those of sickle cell anemia such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Source: Indian Express July 10, 2021 09:00 UTC