Smoking and COVID

 

November has seen a steady rise in COVID-19 cases AND it is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, so it only seems natural to discuss the correlation. As the saying goes, “Smoking is bad for you”, but what does that really mean for you and your health as a smoker during a lung affecting pandemic?

In short, nothing good.

According to a recent study by the Stanford University School of Medicine, smokers are 5 to 7 times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 verses non-smokers. Furthermore, smokers are 2.4 times more likely to experience serious COVID-19 symptoms such as intubation, mechanical ventilation, or even death.

If those numbers did not deter you from vaping, let’s fundamentally break it down. The vaping aerosol is inhaled by the user, that aerosol then travels to the lungs causing harm at a cellular level just after 20 puffs, and as the deterioration progresses so does the decline of your immune system response…so, what could that mean for the user? A momentary sense of gratification with a side of fried lungs? Sounds great, right? No, the answer is no, not great. A weakened immune system leaves your body vulnerable and susceptible to infections like COVID-19.

Quitting is considered the only true health benefit to come from smoking or vaping. Some health benefits can be seen in as little as 2 weeks after quitting. So what’s stopping people from quitting? Well, it is hard. There is no easy road to progress, but anything worth having in life is worth the effort, quitting is no different. If you need help quitting there are many resources to help you.

  

Be smart. Stay Healthy.