Australian men with coronavirus twice as likely to need critical care, study finds

Men are more likely to be admitted to an ICU with COVID-19 than women in Australia while those with diabetes, cardiac disease and obesity are also at risk.

Men make up 67 per cent of coronavirus cases in Australia. Source: Getty

Men with suspected COVID-19 symptoms are twice as likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit in Australia than women for treatment, a new study has found.

The Monash University study that collated data from 33 ICUs nationally reveals men are twice as likely to be admitted (67 per cent of cases) than women (31 per cent), while people over 60 make up 69 per cent of ICU patients.

The study - which is still underway - states 149 people have been admitted to an ICU across Australia since March 14 with coronavirus symptoms.

The study found 149 people have been admitted to an ICU in Australia with coronavirus symptoms. Source: AAP

Of those, 85 were confirmed to have COVID-19, 18 were suspected cases but returned a negative test, and 46 are still awaiting results.

The data also shows 41 per cent of patients admitted to ICU are in the 70 to 79-year-old age group.

Patients with conditions such as diabetes, chronic cardiac disease and obesity were much more likely to be admitted.

Monash University's Professor Andrew Udy says the data is providing important insights into the type of therapy, care, and medical intervention given to the nation's sickest COVID-19 patients.

"It means we can inform clinicians and improve the therapies provided, as well as appraise resourcing, particularly if we experience a sudden spike in cases over the coming months," Prof Udy said in a statement on Thursday.

Patients with diabetes, chronic cardiac disease and obesity were much more likely to be admitted. Source: SBS

"We've never seen this infectious disease before and, as a consequence, a lot of the traditional ways that we manage a patient are being challenged."

The study also found the most common symptoms at the time of admission to hospital included fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and diarrhoea.

Australia has reported almost 7000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date with 98 deaths.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

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