Cigarettes and COVID-19. New research is controversial

The WHO’s recommendations warn smokers against the risk of severe COVID-19 exposure, mainly because smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Meanwhile, French scientists suggest that smokers are much less likely to contract SARS-CoV-2, and if it does, they are less likely to develop the disease. How to explain it?

1. The World Health Organization says smokers are likely to be more prone to coronavirus infection, and because they have lower lung capacity, they may be less likely to be infected
2. However, a French study has emerged that suggests that smokers become infected less frequently than previously thought, and moreover, most of them have mild disease.
3. Renowned French neuroscientist Jean-Pierre Changeux has suggested that nicotine may stop the virus from entering cells in the body and reduce the overreaction of the immune system found in the most severe cases of COVID-19 infection
4. Other experts are skeptical of the revolutionary conclusions of French researchers and argue that quitting smoking and not stopping smoking is the best we can do for our health

WHO on Cigarette Smoking and COVID-19

When asked if smokers and tobacco users (such as hookahs) are more likely to be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the WHO replies that smokers are likely to be more likely to contract the disease. It has to do with with the fact that smokers’ fingers come into contact with the mouth more often, which increases the possibility of transmission of the coronavirus. In addition, smokers are more likely to develop lung disease and therefore have reduced lung capacity, which greatly increases the risk of serious disease.

The WHO also reminds that smokers are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and cancer, especially lung cancer. The weaker circulatory system in COVID-19 patients who smoke or have smoked cigarettes can make them more prone to severe symptoms and at risk of dying from complications following infection.

The WHO recommends quitting smoking, not only because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but for overall health improvement.

The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also spoke about the harmful effects of smoking on the course of COVID-19.

People who smoke may be at greater risk of being infected with the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, and may be more likely to be infected

– we read in the reply sent to the Bloomberg News editorial office.

Meanwhile, a new French study suggests that smokers become infected less frequently than previously thought, and moreover, most of them have mild disease. What do we know about these studies?

Nicotine in the fight against coronavirus? Let’s approach it carefully

480 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection took part in a study conducted at the Salpetriere Hospital in Paris. 350 patients were hospitalized, the rest were treated at home. It turned out that smokers were a minority of both groups. Among hospitalized patients (median age 65), 4% were regular smokers. Among people staying at home (median age 44), 5,3% admitted smoking. sick.

Taking into account the gender and age of the patients, the researchers found that the number of smokers among the sick was significantly lower than in the general population as estimated by the French health authority. The data show that in France, smokers account for about 40 percent. people aged 44-53 and approx. 11,3% at the age of 65-75.

Renowned French neuroscientist Jean-Pierre Changeux, who reviewed the study, suggested that nicotine could stop the virus from entering cells in the body, thereby preventing it from spreading. He also found that nicotine can reduce the overreaction of the body’s immune system found in the most severe cases of COVID-19 infection.

See also: Prof. Adam Witkowski: Coronavirus is a much stronger threat for heart patients

The French plan to conduct further clinical trials during which leading healthcare professionals, as well as hospital patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and intensive care patients, will receive nicotine patches.

French observations seem to coincide with the analyzes of Chinese scientists. In late March, a study appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine which suggested that only 12,6 percent. out of 1000 people infected with the coronavirus in China were smokers, while the general population is approx. 28%. smokers.

The authors of the French study wrote that the results of their analyzes suggest that daily smokers are much less likely to develop symptomatic or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population. The effect is significant and rarely seen in medicine.

Quick reaction to French revelations

While scientists are not encouraging people to start smoking, the “revelations” they presented must have echoed among people. As reported by euronews.com, France severely limited sales of nicotine products on Friday (April 24), shortly after the results of French analyzes appeared.

A decree issued by the Ministry of Health restricts pharmacies from selling nicotine products that are used to combat addiction to cigarettes. Each sale must be recorded by the pharmacy, regardless of whether the buyer has a prescription or not. Online sales of these products have been completely restricted.

The government has taken measures to prevent the health risks associated with the excessive consumption or misuse of nicotine products by people who want to protect themselves against the coronavirus in this way. The second goal is to guarantee uninterrupted supply to people who need these products in order to quit smoking.

Robert Schwartz, professor at Dalla Lan University of Public Health in Toronto and executive director of Ontario Tobacco Research, told globalws.com that while data from a French study was still inconclusive, disseminating this kind of information (that nicotine may reduce the risk of developing COVID-19 – Editors’ footnote) is irresponsible during the global lung disease pandemic.

This is one study done by one group. We have to wait and see the evidence. But if it turns out that nicotine plays a role here, we have to be very careful. If people start smoking, it will do much more harm than COVID-19

Schwartz said.

Weighing profits and losses

The Canadian professor also said the dangers of smoking are very clear. Each year, 47 Canadians and billions of people worldwide die from addiction to cigarettes (or rather, from the diseases they contribute to).

A 2016 study showed abundant evidence that cigarette smoke suppresses the immune system. Another study found that occasional cigarette smoking can cause enormous damage to the body and lead to problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of respiratory viral infections.

In addition to the WHO and the FDA, the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) has also alerted smokers to potential COVID-19 exposure. ECDC also believes that smokers are more prone to the severe complications of COVID-19.

In turn, the Italian National Institute of Health reported that in this country smokers were twice as likely to be admitted to intensive care units and needed mechanical ventilation more often than non-smokers.

Scientists agree that quitting smoking and not starting smoking by non-smokers is the best we can do for our body.

Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers

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