6 Life-Saving Coronavirus Facts Every Man Should Know

COVID-19 is the biggest threat to human existence in living memory. We are all feeling shocked, dismayed, and a degree of helplessness, as we watch the way of life we have lived and loved—disappearing. The virus doesn't discriminate by country or creed—but it does affect men differently than women.

Read on and find out a few facts which are especially relevant for men, and what men can do to help themselves and their partners/families during this time of crisis.

1. More Men Reportedly Die From COVID-19 Than Women

Although equal numbers of men and women appear to have been infected with COVID-19, men are more likely than women to die from the disease, states a recent report in the medical journal The Lancet. CDC data report a death rate for men of 2.8%, and 1.7% women. This may be because women, in general, have a better immune response due to their levels of estrogen. It may also be because much current data is derived from China, where men are much more likely than women to be overweight, diabetic and smoke.

2. Alcohol Could Really Hurt You During the Pandemic

Alcohol dampens the immune system response—and right now, you need your immune system functioning properly! Drinking enough to impair long-term liver function puts you in the disease category of people at higher risk of developing severe complications from the infection.

And don't be fooled into thinking that as alcohol kills the COVD-19 virus. This is far from the case. The effect of alcohol used as a disinfectant outside the body is very different from what happens inside your gastrointestinal tract. Firstly, to kill the virus the alcohol needs to be around 70% proof, and in contact with the virus for at least a minute. Once you swallow it, the alcohol is mixed with other body secretions and diluted. The addition of mucus has been shown to reduce the effect. 

3. You've Got to Keep Moving, Man

Social distancing doesn't mean you're chained to the couch. Walking, running, and/or cycling are all recommended, so long as you stay 6 feet apart, or you could do an at-home workout via apps like Beachbody or Openfit. However, team sports and large sporting events are not recommended and have mostly all been canceled around the world for the next few months. This is because of the need to avoid large crowds of people and help reduce the spread of the virus.

Physical health is closely associated with mental health, and this is a time of great anxiety. It's important to decide on a fitness regime that suits you and stick to it.

4. Don't "Be a Tough Guy." Look After Your Mental Health

It's understandable that many people, both men and women, will feel stressed, depressed and anxious during this time. It may be that men are an especially high-risk group because historically, suicide rates in men are three times higher than in women.

Try to think positively and take steps now to protect your mental health. WHO has issued the following advice:

• Don't be judgemental about people who are infected with the virus—they are unlucky and have done nothing wrong.
• Try to be kind and sympathetic to others. Being kind to others often makes you feel better about yourself.
• Avoid listening to too many news broadcasts—it can make things worse.
• Deal with your stress.

Watch this video to understand better-

5. Think About Shaving Your Beard

Yes, it's true that one medical center sent a memo to male staff to ask them to consider shaving off their beards. This is because if they become infected with COVID-19, and need respiratory support, the respirator masks do not fit well as they cannot make a good seal with certain types of beard, or too much stubble. The weak seal can mean that vital oxygen is escaping. In addition, more viral particles are being emitted, increasing the risk of transmission.

6. Still Smoking? You're at Risk for More Severe Disease

Smoking is generally more common in men than women, although different countries show a great disparity. Current research does not suggest smoking is a specific risk for acquiring the infection. However, one recent Chinese study of 78 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital in Wuhan concluded that 27.3% of smokers went on to develop severe complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), compared to only 3% of non-smokers.