WHO: Smoking Does Not Prevent COVID-19 Infection
WHO officials say smoking does not protect people from COVID-19, despite some emerging studies. Experts stressed that reported smoking rates among hospitalized patients have not been properly interpreted.
According to Tobacco Industry News, World Health Organization (WHO) officials stated that contrary to some emerging studies, smoking does not protect individuals from contracting Covid-19.<\/div>
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Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead for the Covid-19 response, said: "Some studies reporting smoking rates among hospitalized Covid-19 patients have not been peer-reviewed." These studies were not designed to assess whether smoking has any protective effect. They did not claim that smoking offers any protection.<\/div>
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"The harms of tobacco are well known, and we know that millions die each year due to tobacco use. Covid-19 is a respiratory disease, and smoking harms the lungs. Many studies have found that smoking leads to the development of severe disease and increases the risk of requiring ventilators, intensive care, and ultimately death. We know the harms of smoking, and we know that smokers who contract Covid-19 are at a higher risk of severe disease and death."<\/div>
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