Acute Smokers More Likely To Die From Covid-19 Than Old People, As They’re At Risk Of Breathing Difficulties

Smokers More Susceptible To Getting Serious Respiratory Complications From Coronavirus Infection

By now, most people would be aware that the new coronavirus is especially deadly to the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

However, the group most endangered by the virus may be smokers — European researchers have recently found that those smokers are at higher risk of developing severe complications as a result of Covid-19, and as a result are at greater risk of death than the elderly.

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Smokers might be a “potential vulnerable group”

Smokers are more susceptible to getting serious respiratory complications from a coronavirus infection, according to researchers from the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC).

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In light of this, the ECDC has proposed that smokers are identified as a “potential vulnerable group”, Reuters reported.

Smokers at higher risk of death than the elderly

More worryingly, a Chinese study cited by ECDC found that acute smokers are at higher risk of dying from the virus as compared with elderly people.

That’s likely because smoking increases the level of activity of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the lungs, which makes patients more susceptible to Covid-19. ACE2 activity also increases as one ages and when one undergoes hypertension treatment.

Former smokers are even more at risk, as the enzyme was more active in different cells.

Smokers’ fingers come into contact with their lips when they smoke, increasing risk

The World Health Organisation (WHO) seems to be in agreement with ECDC’s finding, stating that smokers are more susceptible to Covid-19 as their fingers come into contact with their lips when they smoke, which increases the chances of transmission.

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Smokers may also have existing lung diseases or reduced lung capacity, increasing the risk of serious Covid-19 complications.

More Covid-19 patients in Europe have severe symptoms than China

The ECDC also reiterated some trends previously found.

According to data from China, patients above the age of 70 and those with existing medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease are among the “most vulnerable” to Covid-19.

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Men are also more susceptible to the virus than women.

Separately, the ECDC found that the infection is, in general, more severe in Europe than China.

In China, 80% of Covid-19 patients displayed mild symptoms.

However, in Europe, only 70% have mild symptoms, as 3 out of every 10 patients required hospitalisation.

One more reason to quit smoking

If you’ve been thinking of quitting smoking, here’s another reason to do it, if the countless warnings about the harms of smoking were not enough to persuade you.

Do you think the increased risk of getting Covid-19 easily outweighs any pleasure that is gained from smoking?

Featured image adapted from Unsplash.