What are the risks of coronavirus for smokers?

There is strong evidence that smoking tobacco is generally associated with an increased risk of developing respiratory viral infections.

Smoking causes damage to the lungs and airways and harms the immune system, reducing your ability to fight against infection. Smoking also involves repetitive hand-to-face movements, which increase the risk of viruses entering the body.

This means that if you smoke, you generally have an increased risk of contracting respiratory infections like coronavirus and you are more likely to have underlying smoking-related conditions, which could lead to more severe disease outcomes. 

How can I reduce my risk?

Stopping smoking at any time is one of the best things you can do for your health.

You’ll feel the benefits almost straight away and will be in a better position to deal with any illness which affects your breathing and lungs.

Conditions like diabetes, breathing or heart conditions, as well as your age or using drugs which weaken your immune system, can worsen a coronavirus infection.

During the coronavirus outbreak local Stop Smoking Services are unable to offer face-to-face support, however they can still support you in your quit attempt using other contact methods such as telephone or video calling.

Several Stop Smoking Services are now using the Bedfont iCO Smokerlyzer to monitor their patients from home. Allowing them to send results from their smartphone to the advisors, helping to keep them on track and safe during the pandemic.