The coronavirus is even more dangerous for people who use tobacco products. Here's the latest scientific information. | |
John,  As we all strive to stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to share some important information about the impact of smoking and vaping on susceptibility to this serious respiratory disease. The coronavirus (COVID-19) attacks the lungs, and behaviors that weaken the lungs put individuals at greater risk. The harmful impact of smoking on the lungs is well documented. There is conclusive evidence that smoking increases the risk for respiratory infections, weakens the immune system and is a major cause of a number of chronic health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and diabetes. In addition, there is a growing body of evidence that vaping can also harm lung health. These factors put smokers, and in all likelihood vapers, at greater risk when confronted with the coronavirus. There has never been a better time for smokers to quit and for individuals to protect their health by avoiding use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. For more information, please see this recent blog post by Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It includes the following: | |
“Because it attacks the lungs, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 could be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.”
“It is therefore reasonable to be concerned that compromised lung function or lung disease related to smoking history, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), could put people at risk for serious complications of COVID-19.”
“Vaping, like smoking, may also harm lung health. Whether it can lead to COPD is still unknown, but emerging evidence suggests that exposure to aerosols from e-cigarettes harms the cells of the lung and diminishes the ability to respond to infection.” | |
At the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, we are working as hard as ever to prevent and reduce use of all tobacco products and create the first tobacco-free generation. Please pass this information along to friends or family members who may need it. And stay safe. Sincerely, | |
