Research indicates that smoking increases the risk of contracting COVID-19
Researchers from the Faculties of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong and Chinese University of Hong Kong discovered a causal link between smoking and a higher risk of contracting mild to severe COVID-19, using data from large scale genome-wide association studies.
The research team found that heavier smoking behaviour is likely to increase the risk of contracting both mild and severe forms of COVID-19 by 19% and increase the risk of severe cases by 48%.
The findings were published in Addiction.
The researchers also suggested that smoking cessation services could be considered to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.
“These would not only reduce the number of cases in the community but also improve overall population health,” said Dr Ryan Au Yeung Shiu-lun of the University of Hong Kong.
“Smokers are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and more likely to have severe symptoms, which is why it is imperative for them to receive vaccinations as soon as possible,” added Professor Kwok Kin-on of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.