News

Smoking Or Vaping Increase The Risk Of A Severe Covid-19 Infection – Experts

Individuals who take tobacco products like smokers and vapers may be at greater risk if infected by COVID-19, said, health experts.

According to Mayo Clinic’s pulmonologist and critical care physician, Dr. Neal Patel, a smoking habit can destroy the natural defense mechanism of people’s lungs.

“Smoking makes you more susceptible to COVID-19 because it destroys some of your lung’s natural defense mechanisms. Vaping may do the same thing,” says Dr. Patel.

Data from the China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients with chronic respiratory disease was 6.3 percent compared to those without the disease (2.3 percent).

“Smoking or vaping destroys the cilia in the lungs,” he added.

“The cilia are tiny, hairlike follicles that help to trap viruses and debris and move them up and out of your lungs so they don’t stay there and cause issues.”

“The cilia act as one of the main defense systems against infection. Without that cilia, smokers, unfortunately, are a little bit defenseless. And it explains why some smokers who develop common colds may develop prolonged coughs for weeks to months,” added Dr. Patel.

“Somebody who has healthy lungs may bounce back more rapidly.”

“Research suggests that vaping may also harm cilia in the lungs. I recommend people stop vaping to maintain lung health and reduce the risk of developing the severe disease if they contract COVID-19,” he said.

Although there is still much research to be conducted on the effects of smoking and vaping towards COVID-19 patients, he advised smokers and vapers to stop the habit.

COVID-19 is also dangerous to people with other diseases, cancer, and diabetes.

Source: KKM, Mayo Clinic, National Institution on Drug Abuse

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

TV Sarawak Is Leveling Up, From Kuching to the World with Spotlight 25/26

Since its debut in 2020, TV Sarawak (TVS) has been rewriting what it means to… Read More

6 hours ago

Skechers Steps Up the Game with New Basketball Collection

Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company™ and a global leader in lifestyle and performance footwear, has… Read More

6 hours ago

LexisNexis Brings AI Legal Sidekick to Malaysia with Protégé

Move over Suits, the future of law just got an AI upgrade. LexisNexis has officially… Read More

6 hours ago

BJAK Turns Insurance Renewals into Rewards with RM100,000 Mega Giveaway This 10.10

Renewing insurance and road tax is often a last-minute hassle, but BJAK, Malaysia’s largest online… Read More

11 hours ago

SHANTEA Dessert Opens First Outlet at Mid Valley, Serving Malaysian Culture Through Sweet Creations Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

Malaysian flavors stepped into the spotlight today as SHANTEA Dessert officially opened its first outlet… Read More

11 hours ago

Energea Powers Up Malaysia with Bold Tangerine Collection and Next-Gen Hybrid-Solid State Powerbank

Energea, the lifestyle-driven power solutions and tech accessories brand, has officially introduced two groundbreaking innovations:… Read More

12 hours ago

This website uses cookies.