A while ago I downloaded my DNA for ancestry research. An interesting exercise that has brought me into contact with lots of family I never knew I had.
Resently I allowed my genome to be used for COVID-19 analysis. A simple task, uploading raw data to be examined, has allowed me to find out my susceptibility to Coronavirus. Needless to say, I wish I hadn't bothered.
The results came back and I have that dodgy blood group A and genetics that could make me a target for the worst outcome.
For someone like me, who suffers with Health Anxiety, this isn't the best news ever. I am literally in a panic everyday. I keep looking at the report and seeing I am at high risk, expecting to die if I contract it... I am literally a mess. However at least I know what my risk level is now and just what to expect if the data is correct.
I suppose I'm just writing on here for reassurance. I don't know what to do. I am a key worker who just wants to give up his job now. Beside myself with fear!
I know you’re worried but try to relax about this. Saying that you’re going to die if you get coronavirus is overgeneralizing. Which is a part of having anxiety. millions of people who have type A blood have had coronavirus and have recovered just like other people.
All you can do is protect yourself the best you can until you can get the vaccine. The facts still remain. Regardless of blood type, 95 to 99% of people survive Covid. and the 95% is in the over 70 age group. hang in there . remember to breathe to relax your mind.
Thanks for the reply. I understand about trying to relax, but it’s so difficult when you have health anxiety. Sometimes I just can’t cope any more. I worry so much about everything. Today I have just had three blood tests at my GP surgery, because I am in constant pain and I don’t know why. COVID is just another tier of anxiety to deal with; I’m not sure how much more I can take. Thank you again!
I can relate to this so much. I have terrible health anxiety and cycle through different illnesses and manifest my symptoms.
I have now added covid into this cycle and as I am overweight panic that if I were to catch it I’d die.
I’ve recently started medication for my anxiety due to panic attacks but I wanted to reccomend some other suggestions that help calm me.
3 minutes of deep guided breathing I do this morning and night
I’ve started yoga and set my final pose for 3 minutes and just focus on my breathing
I use an app called woebot which helps with cbt type therapy.
I also use an app called loona to help me sleep as my mind races so much.
I know it doesn’t help right now but you aren’t alone and if you ever want to talk please feel free to message me 
Hi Rachel
Thank you for your words.I am a bit of a mess right now. Just found out I am blood type A as well and my genome makes me more susceptible to coronavirus, and yes I am over weight… With all my other health issues I am just beside myself. I’m not sure if I am allowed to put my email address here or not but it would be good to talk sometime.
Thanks
I saw the email address had been removed so I’ve sent you a message.
I’m here for anything you need
Sorry…probably am a bit of a sceptic, but you should take some of these DNA ancestry websites with a big pinch of salt. They can be inaccurate and downright bogus…and this has been proven beyond doubt by many people who have sent the same test to different “companies” only for them to return with completely different results. The same goes for food intolerance tests. Some people out there are really exploiting the public (some of them poorly and vulnerable) & making a very lucrative career of it.
As for your blood type; I’m afraid that’s another scare story / myth promoted by the likes of "Dr"Peter d’Adamo (also very lucratively!) and others and thoroughly debunked by the science. Please try to be reassured that your reaction to SARS-CoV-2 will depend on your age and general health. Not your type A blood, nor the result of a possibly dodgy DNA result.
So just really look after yourself! Try to eat well and get out into the fresh air each day…even if it’s just a gentle stroll. And stay safe but as calm as you can, given the global situation we’re all trying to negotiate. Things will slowly but steadily improve if we all pull together.
Thank you for the reply
I hope what you are saying is true of course, but there really is no logic to health anxiety. I just see the results in front of me and panic. I know this is a scary time for everyone, but I have so many issues I am dealing with, that everything just gets on top of me… I literally feel helpless…