TLDR Hair loss may link to weaker COVID-19 immunity, suggesting possible need for extra vaccine boost.
There is a potential association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and a weaker T-cell immune response to COVID-19, which could impact the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. The authors propose that a booster vaccine targeting the androgen receptor may be necessary for individuals with AGA to achieve adequate protection against the virus. Further studies are needed to determine the role of androgens and the androgen receptor in modulating the immune response to COVID-19.
119 citations
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May 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Most COVID-19 patients in hospitals have androgenetic alopecia, more in men, suggesting a link between androgen sensitivity and severe COVID-19 symptoms.
47 citations
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April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Androgenetic alopecia linked to COVID-19 severity; drugs reducing androgen receptor activation may help.
185 citations
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August 2020 in “Mayo Clinic Proceedings” Men are more likely to have severe COVID-19 cases and fatalities than women due to factors like lifestyle, aging, and biological differences.
March 2023 in “Медицинский совет” COVID-19 may cause different types of hair loss, and the virus's effects on hair could help understand its impact on other body parts.
11 citations
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May 2021 in “Journal of Medical Virology” Men are more likely to have severe respiratory viral infections like COVID-19 due to hormonal and genetic differences, while women generally have stronger immune responses.
10 citations
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January 2023 in “SAGE Open Medical Case Reports” COVID-19 infection and vaccination may trigger hair loss and rapid hair whitening.
September 2022 in “Frontiers in Immunology” Anti-androgen therapy may boost immunity but increases injection site pain in vaccinated patients.
