Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for many respiratory infections and increases the severity of respiratory diseases. It is known that Tobacco kills more than 8 million people globally every year. More than 7 million of these deaths are from direct tobacco use and around 1.2 million are due to non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
In the wake of COVID 19 pandemic, WHO found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes which put people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe illness when affected by COVID-19. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe disease and death.There is currently insufficient information to confirm any link between tobacco or nicotine in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
Nicotine replacement therapies, such as gum and patches are designed to help smokers quit tobacco. However, Within 20 minutes of quitting, elevated heart rate and blood pressure drop. After 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the bloodstream drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, circulation improves and lung function increases. After 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
So, No to Tobacco from today.
Stay Healthy.
Source: WHO
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