Sex and gender matter to health equity, especially in a pandemic. Sex (a biological attribute) and gender (a social construct) may influence an individual's susceptibility, vulnerability and exposure to infectious disease. In previous coronavirus epidemics (SARS and MERS), male sex was associated with worse outcomes. Both immune and the hemostatic response display ample sexual dimorphism.

The primary aim of the study is to determine whether sex differences in biomarkers of platelet and immune function, gut microbiome, clinical characteristics, therapy, clinical cost sensitive outcomes (i.e. in-hospital transition of care, case severity, and mortality due to COVID-19) exist in patients affected by COVID-19.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-Cov-2 infection of any severity.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy.
• Younger than 18 years of age.

We will apply the gender framework as defined by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) which includes 4 gender domains: Gender Identity; Gender Roles; Gender Relations; and Institutionalized Gender (https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/50836.html). Such factors include occupation, employment, marital status, number of children, and household responsibilities.

Patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-Cov-2 infection (positive for real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain reaction assay for pharyngeal swab specimens) of any severity (from asymptomatic to severe manifestations).