So today, I have a fabulous project only possible because I downloaded the PHWales dataset on 28May20. @fmwales @vaughangething Comparing age/sex profiles for cases for spring/summer quarters, supports vitamin D as crucial role in immunity. Graphs follow.

If you go here > https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary < this is the graph today, but in May it looked very different.

In May, there was such a difference between the sexes that I downloaded the data set and constructed my own graph to better examine that data. This is what I saw -

I wondered what could cause such a difference ! I suspected iron needs, but I was open to other offers. Since then, research has indicated vitamin D plays a crucial role in deciding who gets ill. How could vitamin D be so different between male/female?

In winter and cold weather we all wrap up, so that often the only skin exposed is on our face and hands. But in warm weather other parts of the body are exposed to the sun - arms, legs. This is the same graph for June through to September - to the same scale.

In summer there is little difference, so why the difference in cold months? Faces. Makeup includes SPF - sun protection factors. If the only part of your skin exposed to the sun is covered in SPF = no vitamin D.

any questions?