Tobacco product use and the risks of SARS-CoV-2
Benowitz NL, Goniewicz ML, Halpern-Felsher B, et al. Tobacco product use and the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19: current understanding and recommendations for future research. Lancet Resp Med. 16 Aug 2022
“Findings pertaining to the effects of tobacco product use on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection are inconsistent. However, evidence supports a role of cigarette smoking in increasing the risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission, progression in disease severity, and COVID-19-related mortality… A deeper understanding of the links between tobacco product use and disease risk could help to shape public health recommendations and to improve the clinical care of those with a history of tobacco dependence.”
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(22)00182-5/fulltext
Comment: Although there is “inconsistent” evidence on how smoking affects the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is important to note that smoking affects the nose and respiratory system in ways that may increase vulnerability to viral infection.
Stephen Hamann
