Smoking tobacco is a known risk factor for many respiratory diseases, and increases their severity. This is according to World Health Organization (WHO) that adds 14.6% of smoking-related deaths are second-hand smokers. However, the WHO statement on tobacco and Covid-19 is less definitive in terms of a direct association. None the less there is a strong link to morbidity.
Unpicking the WHO Statement on Tobacco and Covid-19
The world organization says smokers are more likely to develop a severe form of Covid-19 disease compared to non-smokers. That’s because tobacco smoke impairs lung functions, again according to the WHO statement on tobacco and Covid-19 associations. However, this is not the only harm this causes according to World Health Organization.
It says tobacco is also a significant risk factor for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. These illnesses also make it harder for the body to fight off Covid-19 infections. In fact, ‘Available research suggests smokers are at higher risk of developing severe disease and death’, the WHO statement on tobacco and Covid-19 concludes.
The Covid-19 Benefits of Not Smoking Tobacco
The WHO is at pains to confirm there is no proven link between smoking, and prevention / treatment of Covid-19. However, it does believe giving up smoking during the epidemic has other health benefits. That’s because lung function and circulation improve within 2 to 12 weeks, and coughing and breath shortness decline after 1 to 9 months.
Covid-19 is an infectious disease that principally attacks the lungs. The WHO statement on tobacco and Covid-19 explains reduced lung function makes it harder for the body to repel corona viruses and other respiratory diseases.
However, we don’t want to sit on a judgement seat on this. Our job is to provide solid information backed by reliable sources in the interests of mitigating the effect of the pandemic. We are, as we say so often, in this together. If we can help in our small way then it will have been incredibly worthwhile.
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