It’s A Great Time to Quit
Smoking can harm nearly every organ in the body and has been shown to weaken the immune system. COVID-19 is still a relatively new disease and public health scientists continue to learn about it. Being a current or former smoker increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Based on available information, those who vape are also more likely to have serious complications from COVID-19. While smoking and vaping may increase risk for developing severe illness, they do not appear to increase the likelihood of catching COVID-19. Secondhand smoke exposure can harm a person’s ability to combat short and long term breathing problems. Based on available information, it is not known if this exposure will make COVID-19 symptoms worse.
Why is There an Increased Risk?
- Tobacco users brings their hands to their mouth several times a day. Therefore, they are more likely to transfer the virus to their mouth.
- People who use vaping devices and waterpipes often share the mouthpieces of these devices with others.
- Vaping nicotine and marijuana can cause inflammation in the airway and the lungs.
- Smoking and tobacco use can cause underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19. These conditions include:
- Lung Disease, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
Support is Available:
You are not alone. The Maine QuitLink offers free, confidential, supportive help over the phone or online. You’ll work with a nationally certified and trained Quit Coach to make a personal plan to help you reach your quit goals.
Learn More About COVID-19 and the Risks:
- SmokeFree.gov: Smoking & COVID-19
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 – People At Increased Risk: Smoking
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 – People Who Are At Higher Risk of Severe Illness
- Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19