Infectious Disease Research shows why smoking raises COVID-19 risks
Beusekom MV. (CIPRAP News). Studies: Smoking, age, other factors raise risk of COVID-19 deaths. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota. April 9, 2020.
Those who smoke or have COPD have higher levels of ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, in their lower respiratory tract and are at greater risk of COVID-19 because ACE2 on the surface of lung cells is the doorway that allows viruses into the lungs, where they cause infection. See details at: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/04/studies-smoking-age-other-factors-raise-risk-covid-19-death
Stephen Hamann
