Smoking, Vaping & Coronavirus

THE EFFECTS ON THE BODY

Although the research is new, there is conclusive evidence that smoking makes the body more susceptible to coronavirus (COVID-19) because smoking:

• weakens the immune system.
• increases the risk of infectious diseases.
• increases the risk of respiratory infections.
• is a major cause of chronic health conditions and cancer.

Research also shows that vaping can be harmful to the lungs.

ABOUT SMOKE

Cigarette and vapor smoke may contain more than 7,000 chemicals. Many of these chemicals can interfere with the immune system, accelerating disease progress because the immune system is not working effectively.

INCREASED RISK

People who smoked were 14 times more likely to experience more severe cases of COVID-19, which may result in death in some cases.

EFFECTS ON YOUNG PEOPLE

The virus is affecting younger people more than officials previously thought it would. Younger adults (20-54 years old) have made up 38% of hospitalized coronavirus patients in the U.S.

COVID-19 RELATED STRESS

People may smoke more due to COVID-19 related stress. This practice may cause tobacco and vape users to be less likely to recover due to lung damage.

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST COVID-19, PROTECT YOUR LUNGS. QUIT SMOKING AND VAPING TODAY.

CALL THE LOUISIANA TOBACCO QUITLINE – 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE BY PHONE, TEXT AND ONLINE.