A study in China supported by PHE and PHW has shown that smokers are 14 times more likely to experience severe Coronavirus symptoms.
This has led Public Health Wales to say “there has never been a more important time to stop smoking”.
This also means children who inhale smoke passively are more likely to become badly ill too.
In statement PHW said: “Smoking tobacco is known to damage the lungs and airways – causing a range of severe respiratory problems.
“The evidence clearly shows Covid-19 virus attacks the respiratory system, which explains why smokers are at greater risk. A small but highly impactful survey from China finds that smokers with Covid-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease.
“In addition, the repetitive hand-to-mouth movement provides an easy route of entry for the virus, putting smokers at greater risk of contracting Covid-19 .
“If you smoke, you are not only putting yourself at greater risk of developing severe disease from the Covid-19 virus, but those around you exposed to second hand smoke, including children, are also put at increased risk.”
It’s never too late to quit smoking, no matter your age, and you can even see benefits from it as soon as 48 hours.
