The virus causing Covid-19 may not only damage certain red blood cells but also prevent the formation of new ones, a new study by Russia's Far Eastern Federal University suggests.
Loss of these red blood cells, called erythrocytes , caused by Covid-19 may damage blood vessels and brain neurons, the study says. In the worst case scenario, it may lead to multiple organ failure and without RBCs, it may cause suffocation. The initial reaction of the body to the SARS-COV-2 is a break down of RBCs.
The only way to treat this is to administer erythrocyte mass and vitamin B12, the study suggests.
The research pointed out that those with low hemoglobin, with obesity, diabetes and high BP are vulnerable to Covid risk.