Hyderabad: Smokers prone to get infected with Covid-19 said Experts

Hyderabad: A review of studies by public health experts convened by WHO found that smokers are more prone to contract Covid-19, compared to non-smokers. Covid-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronavirus and other diseases.

Tobacco is also a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes which put people with these conditions at higher risk when affected by the virus "There is growing evidence to suggest that people who smoke are likely to be more severely impacted by coronavirus", reiterated, Binoy Mathew, senior programme officer, Voluntary Health Association of India.

To protect health and reduce risk of severe virus symptoms, we urge all smokers and tobacco users to quit, especially at this critical time, said, Bhavna Mukhopadhyay, chief executive , Voluntary Health Association of India.

The New Delhi based Voluntary Health Association of India has been working for tobacco and other related products for last one and half year in various States Over 22 States and 6 Union Territories in India including Telangana have issued orders for banning use/spitting of tobacco products etc in public places to contain the spread of Covid-19.