Quit smoking! It will prevent COVID-19. (Image via New York Post)

Expert: Refraining from smoking will help prevent COVID-19

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Business & Industry
Medical and Health
Apr 09, 2020
1574
It is no secret that smoking is a major factor behind the possibility to contract novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Furthermore, smoking, working as a partner-in-crime with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) also weakens the immune system and lungs.

Therefore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Center (CDC), stated that refraining from smoking and even stopping from it will restore lung health in a short time. Unfortunately, it is not permanent, especially if you are a chain smoker. Thus, never smoke in the first place. How does refraining from smoking prevent COVID-19?

1. Healthy lungs battle infection
Lungs have cilia, micro hairs to filter any harmful or pathogen substance from entering further. When you refrain from smoking, the cilia work even more effectively. CDC stated that healthy cilia can combat bacterial and viral infections, especially SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, it can also clean any excessive mucus in the lungs.

2. Prevents inflammation
Refraining from smoking may reduce inflammation in the lungs and the respiratory tract. It also reduces shortness of breath while walking the stairs. A doctor from the American Lung Association, Brian Christman, stated that the chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract will go away after several weeks.

3. Extends life expectancy
Smoking worsens one’s condition, especially when the individual has contracted COVID-19. Generally, the majority of severe COVID-19 died due to respiratory failure. Therefore, by refraining from smoking, the possibility of respiratory failure is also cut. About 78 percent of COVID-19 patients in the U.S are smokers.

4. Improves blood circulation
Besides lungs, refraining from smoking may also benefit the heart and blood circulation. After refraining from smoking, there will be no clot in the artery as the blood will carry more oxygen. Therefore, it prevents cardiovascular disease.

Source: https://bit.ly/2VfwA3r

Medical , Health , Pandemic , Prevention , Coronavirus , COVID-19 , Smoking , Respiratory