During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), some people are at a higher risk of developing severe complications.
Some of these include the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and people with weakened immune systems. Previous studies have also tied cigarette smoking as a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
With concerns about cigarette smoking being a risk factor for severe illness from COVID-19, understanding nicotine and tobacco use patterns is essential for preventive efforts.
Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital aimed to understand the changes in cigarette and e-cigarette use behaviors among adults in the United States. They found that a third of cigarette smokers and a quarter of vape or e-cigarette users increased their use during the pandemic, mainly due to stress.
Meanwhile, 26 percent and 41 percent of cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users, respectively, reported trying to quit during the pandemic. The users perceive that their use of these products increases their risk for COVID-19 or a more severe outcome of the infection.
Angela Betsaida B. Laguipo – News Medical Life Sciences – 2021-03-22.
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