Tobacco Use & Covid-19
By Ashley A. Attisha, Esq.
The entire world is facing a global pandemic and the devastating effects of COVID-19. Initially, Michigan was one of hardest hit among the United States.
The FDA warned that those with underlying health issues, like heart or lung problems, may have increased risk for serious complications from COVID-19. The Arab and Chaldean population is known to have higher rates of tobacco use than other groups. This statistic is largely due to hookah use which is culturally acceptable in the Middle East.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were facing a public health crisis because of vaping. The 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey estimated that 27.5% of high school students are vaping. In fact, e-cigarette usage among high school students has increased 135% in the last two years alone.
Among other health risks, smoking and vaping both weaken the lungs, which is much more dangerous now that we are facing a respiratory virus illness. Young and healthy people who regularly inhale tobacco or marijuana are at greater risk for contracting COVID-19.
Dr. Neal Patel of the Mayo Clinic warns of the dangers of smoking and COVID-19, “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. … I recommend people stop vaping to maintain lung health and reduce the risk of developing severe disease if they contract COVID-19.”
Vaping could be the reason one out of every five patients ages 20 – 44 are hospitalized due to COVID-19. Smoking and vaping weaken the immune system, so naturally people who use tobacco have a more difficult time fighting the virus. Dr. J. Taylor Hays, Director of The Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic explains “People who quit for even a short time see an improvement in lung health quite quickly. For most smokers who don’t already have serious lung injury, they will see immediate improvements in their health, and less opportunity for severe diseases including COVID-19.”
The bottom line is that smoking and vaping are not worth increasing your risk of harm from COVID-19. Doctors say the best time to quit is now and there are resources available to help. The Michigan Tobacco Quitline is available online or by calling (800) QUIT-NOW. Teens can text “Start My Quit” to 855-891-9989.
Take the first step today; your lungs will thank you. The Chaldean Community Foundation is working closely with the Michigan Tobacco Quitline, physicians, and others in the community to support anyone that wishes to quit smoking. Our Project Light therapy team is also available to provide ongoing counselling support. Visit us at our office in Sterling Heights for more information.