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Neanderthals and covid (lighthearted thread

(18 Posts)
giulia Thu 17-Feb-22 09:38:37

I was following a programme about scientific investigations being carried out here in Italy as to why some people become really sick or die with covid but others have minor problems or are unaware of being affected.

I was listening with one ear only until the scientist started talking about neanderthal genes.

We all have some of these.

Strangely enough, there seems to be a connection between the number of these genes people have and their likelihood of getting covid badly: the more you have the higher the possibility.
My second toe is longer than my big toe and my mother always told me this was the fault of my neanderthal ancestry. Oh dear! Am I extra vulnerable?

Shinamae Thu 17-Feb-22 09:46:12

I have apparently had Covid twice and without the test would have not known I had it.I was completely asymptomatic. I don’t know whether this is a good thing as several people at work had it really really badly, I just wonder if the worse you have it symptom wise the more antibodies you are likely to produce? Obviously not a scientific brain cell in my head but just a thought. My second toe on both feet is equal to the big toe, make of that what you will ?(also have to admit to hairy toes which my doctor says is a very good sign of circulation!!)

ShazzaKanazza Thu 17-Feb-22 09:52:32

Haha you had me taking my slippers off looking at my toes.
Mine is larger too not by much though and I sailed through covid in 2020. Do you know my SIL actually said that it’s my dads fault that myself and two of my brothers had covid cos it’s in our genes she said this needs investigating. I spat my drink out in horror. I’m sure in years to come all this will come out as to why more people were more prone than others but believe me that wasn’t the right time to say that to me lol

Whitewavemark2 Thu 17-Feb-22 09:53:10

One compensation though, I was reading that the Neanderthal folk were more intelligent than the Sapiens.

silverlining48 Thu 17-Feb-22 09:58:01

My second toe is also longer than my big toe. Makes for half size difference and an extra hard ,slightly ingrowing ,nail.
Have not had covid though dh dd and gd have.

Septimia Thu 17-Feb-22 10:19:06

I've heard that a longer second toe is due to Greek genes, or maybe Celtic ones......

BlueBelle Thu 17-Feb-22 10:22:46

I thought everyone had a longer second tow isn’t it normal
I have two

Chestnut Thu 17-Feb-22 10:23:54

Covid is a really strange virus and we still know very little about it, the way it affects people differently and the variety of symptoms. And why some people don't catch it even when living in the same house. I expect all will be revealed in due course.

Sparklefizz Thu 17-Feb-22 10:28:17

I am more of the opinion that the severity of Covid or otherwise is due to gut bacteria rather than toes.

silverlining48 Thu 17-Feb-22 10:29:37

Til now I thought I was the only one with this problem as it’s
awkward finding shoes that fit properly.

silverlining48 Thu 17-Feb-22 10:30:11

Think you are right sparkle grin

Esspee Thu 17-Feb-22 10:34:04

When you get your DNA analysed by 23 and me they tell you how much Neanderthal DNA you have. They are asking members about their covid experiences so no doubt a medical paper will be published in due course.

MissAdventure Thu 17-Feb-22 10:43:59

I think in terms of how covid affects people, there is an idea that genetics play a part.
My second toes are all scrunched up with arthritis or something.

giulia Fri 18-Feb-22 08:44:49

Shinamae

I have apparently had Covid twice and without the test would have not known I had it.I was completely asymptomatic. I don’t know whether this is a good thing as several people at work had it really really badly, I just wonder if the worse you have it symptom wise the more antibodies you are likely to produce? Obviously not a scientific brain cell in my head but just a thought. My second toe on both feet is equal to the big toe, make of that what you will ?(also have to admit to hairy toes which my doctor says is a very good sign of circulation!!)

I also have hairy toes! Shhh... dont tell anyone.

giulia Fri 18-Feb-22 08:45:54

I used to be called "kipper feet".

Galaxy Fri 18-Feb-22 08:53:35

Oh whitewave you have ruined it for me. I thought I was not a neanderthal and therefore a genius. I have not had covid despite spending two years working maskless for most part with a large number of children in lots of different settings.
I am obviously going to test positive now I have said this.

HettyBetty Fri 18-Feb-22 09:29:12

A few months ago I read somewhere that the severity of Covid might be linked to blood types. I have no idea how true that is or if the research has progressed.

It will be fascinating to learn more in the future, I feel there is so much more to discover about Covid.

Shinamae Fri 18-Feb-22 09:39:04

HettyBetty

A few months ago I read somewhere that the severity of Covid might be linked to blood types. I have no idea how true that is or if the research has progressed.

It will be fascinating to learn more in the future, I feel there is so much more to discover about Covid.

I agree with you Betty I think we will find out a lot about this disease eventually