Quitting smoking now could help reduce risks of COVID-19 complications

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection. Respiratory infections are serious infections that affect normal breathing. A wide range of bacteria and viruses cause these infections.

Smoking affects the immune system in the airways, lung tissue and throughout the body. This reduces your natural protection against infections, like coronavirus.

This means that if you smoke:
you have an increased risk of getting acute respiratory infections
you have a greater risk of the infection lasting longer
you have a greater risk of the infection being more serious than it would be for someone who does not smoke

Second-hand smoke has similar effects. Children who are exposed to smoke are at increased risk of acute respiratory infections.

People who smoke are at an increased risk of viral pneumonia – one of the complications from COVID-19. But a worry among doctors and health groups is that people who are feeling worried and stressed may be putting off thinking about quitting.

Please contact us to find out how we can support you to stub it out for good.