Smoking and COVID-19
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People have been thinking a lot about their health and the health of their whānau and friends because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are trying to stop smoking or stay smokefree thinking about the risk of COVID-19 can be a lot to deal with, however being smokefree is one of the best ways to protect and improve your health.
If you smoke, you and your whānau may be concerned about the connection between smoking and COVID-19. People who smoke are more likely to have severe symptoms and develop complications if they do contract COVID-19. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses, infectious diseases primarily attacking the lungs, and other diseases (WHO Statement: Tobacco Use & COVID-19).
Smoking also increases your chances of getting a cold or the flu, leaving your body more prone to developing COVID-19. Additionally, if you have a heart or lung disease caused by smoking you may be at higher risk of developing a severe illness from COVID-19.
Southern Stop Smoking Service provides a free Southern-wide service offering community group clinics and one-on-one support with eight site coaches operating across the Southern region. You can contact them on 0800 925 242 or self refer here.