COVID-19 & Tobacco Use

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:

Quit Your Way

No matter what your quit journey looks like, we have the tools to support you. When you’re ready to quit smoking, vaping, or other tobacco use, choose the option that’s right for you.

Phone Coaching

Free 1-on-1 coaching with a certified Quit Coach to create a customized Quit Plan. People who enroll are 2X more likely to quit and using free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) triples your chances.

  • 12 weeks of FREE gum, patches, or lozenges
  • Talk to a certified Quit Coach
  • Unlimited support

Online Tools for Quitting

Free online resources with the ability to choose which tools will work best for you. The online dashboard is available 24/7 giving you the flexibility to quit at your own pace. Explore the variety of online tools offered and customize your quit plan.

  • FREE 4-week starter kit of patch, gum, or lozenges
  • Text messaging support
  • Chat online with a coach