Smoking tobacco is known to damage the lungs and airways
causing a range of severe respiratory problems. The
evidence clearly shows COVID-19 virus attacks the
respiratory system, which explains why smokers are at
greater risk. A small but highly impactful
survey from China finds that smokers with
COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe
disease.
In addition, the repetitive hand to mouth movement
provides an easy route of entry for the virus, putting
smokers at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
,
Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England
said:
In light of this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, there
has never been a more important time to stop smoking.
Not only for your own health but to protect those
around you. It will also help alleviate the huge
pressures on the NHS.
It is never too late to quit, no matter your age.
Once smokefree, there are very real health benefits with
the body continuing to repair the longer you stay
smokefree. The more immediate benefits include:
- after 48 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the
body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking
debris
- after 72 hours breathing becomes easier as bronchial
tubes begin to relax
- after 2 to 12 weeks blood circulation improves,
making physical activity like walking and running easier
To help reduce your risk of contracting the virus and
developing severe disease from coronavirus, you can use
the smokefree app to access advice and support on how you
can best stop smoking. Search ‘Smokefree’.
Background
Follow the Smokefree Action
Coalition #quitforcovid campaign
on Twitter.
