An infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The disease manifests primarily as a lower respiratory illness, but it can affect multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and renal systems. Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of smell and taste. Some infected persons, especially children, are asymptomatic. Severe complications of COVID-19 include pneumonia, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and cytokine storm. Treatments currently involve symptom management and supportive care. Mortality varies by country and region, but approximately 6 percent of people living in the United States who are diagnosed with COVID-19 expire.[1] 1

Endogenous female sex hormones. Estrogens include estrone, estradiol, and estriol. They promote the development and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics in females. Estrogens regulate the menstrual cycle and play key roles in fertility and reproduction. They influence other aspects of health, too, including cognitive function, bone health, and risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer.

An essential mineral present in many foods. Iron participates in many physiological functions and is a critical component of hemoglobin. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart arrhythmias.

A type of white blood cell, also known as a granulocyte. Neutrophils are the most abundant form of blood cell, comprising approximately 60 percent of total cells. They ingest, kill, and digest microbial pathogens, and are the first cells recruited to acute sites of injury. Neutrophils can infiltrate brain structures, driving inflammation and increasing the risk for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

The primary male sex hormone. Testosterone is critical to the maintenance of fertility and secondary sexual characteristics in males. Low testosterone levels may increase risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.