Anyone over 6ft is twice as likely to catch coronavirus, new study says

A study done at the University of Manchester has revealed that people who are over six foot tall are twice as likely to catch coronavirus. 

The new study has found another factor, along with underlying health conditions and obesity, that can also increase your risk of catching the virus and it’s related to height.

Researches from University of Manchester have revealed people over six foot are twice as likely to catch the virus. 

The study surveyed 2,000 people from the UK and US to understand personal and work-related predictors of the virus transmission. 

The aerosol transmission of COVID-19 puts taller people at higher risk, something that wouldn’t be the case if the virus was exclusively spread through droplets.

Aerosols, which are light and can travel upwards, can reach tall people where as droplets are bigger than aerosols meaning they travel short distances and drop quickly from the air. 

Professor Evan Kontopantelis, who worked on the study, said: “The results of this survey in terms of associations between height and diagnosis suggest downward droplet transmission is not the only transmission mechanism and aerosol transmission is possible.

“This has been suggested by other studies but our method of confirmation is novel.

“Though social distancing is still important because transmission by droplets is still likely to occur, it does suggest that mask wearing may be just as if not more effective in prevention. But also, air purification in interior spaces should be further explored.”

Professor Paul Anand, an author of the study, said: “Much scientific research has focussed on patterns of spread and underlying mechanisms of transmission.

“But as economies and societies reopen, it is important to know more about the role personal factors as predictors of transmission.

“Though both are market economies, the US and UK differ in the extent and manner in they provide access to health care and welfare support – and that to some extent is demonstrated by the associations shown by the data.”

The survey also found that people who use a shared kitchen or accommodation were up 3.5 times more likely to catch the virus.