Specifically, we found that the expression of genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines (IL12B, IL15, IL6, IL12A and IL1B) and chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL11 and CXCL10) was broadly increased in COVID-19 patients and speculate that other viral infections may also induce expression of these genes. Here, IL6 is linked to viral infectious disease.