Does smoking put you at risk for COVID-19?

By Kyra Curtis

    Most smokers are aware of the smokers cough that tends to happen when inhaling improperly. Because smokers tend to have this cough it puts them at risk for lung infections, respiratory infections and even death. And because smoking can be addictive it still puts the smoker at risk for the virus. Due to a weak immune system smokers especially have to be careful of the virus. Even if smoking medical marijuana products will help the products can only work for so long until you have to smoke/cough again.  

The big question here is does smoking/vaping put you at risk for COVID-19?  

Well according to New York Times, smoking consumers are at a high risk of catching the virus due to products containing tobacco that weakens the lungs and the immune system. It has also been said that because COVID-19 is considered a threat to smoking consumers the virus could heavily attack the consumers respiratory system thus causing respiratory failure. Multiple studies have shown that smokers are more susceptible to the virus because tobacco products in consumers attack binding receptors in the body thus making variations of the virus.  

Does this mean everyone can get the virus?

The answer is yes. According to the CDC, people who are 65 and older, who live in nursing homes, are anyone who has been exposed to someone else who has been in contact with the infected are susceptible to the virus. This includes everyone of all ages especially patients who have multiple medical problems that would make it hard to fight the virus. Even though as much research has been done that proves marijuana can be a cure for other medical purposes this virus can affect smokers to the point of death.

Does this mean you should quit?

In a way yes. New York Times suggests quitting will beat your odds against catching the virus. The news article has a categorized list of apps and texting service numbers to help encourage consumers to quit smoking. To quit smoking will benefit most smoking consumers in the long run since smoking can affect a person’s everyday life.  But if smoking is a good pass time for consumers during the day it has been suggested to smoke in the comfort of your own home rather outside out in the open since the particles of the virus on a face mask can linger more than a couple of hours. It’s best to stay home whether you’re high or not.