My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Covid

Smoking increases risk x 14

73 replies

ivykaty44 · 06/04/2020 09:43

Of getting this virus and having complications

So why isn’t more being done to stop people smoking? Free patches being given out etc

OP posts:
Report
Igotthemheavyboobs · 06/04/2020 09:51

Is smokers can afford the cigarettes, they can afford the patches.

Report
inflam · 06/04/2020 10:00

So why isn’t more being done to stop people smoking? Free patches being given out etc

Are you serious Hmm

Report
middleager · 06/04/2020 10:04

Can I see the evidence please? Not being goady and I'm not a smoker, it's just I haven't seen anything scientific to date about smoking and C19..

Report
iwantitalltobenormal · 06/04/2020 10:05

This is not true.

Report
iwantitalltobenormal · 06/04/2020 10:06

how can smoking increase the risk of 'getting' the virus if you were to say ; be self isolating alone for 14 plus days without leaving the house at all ?

Report
PuzzledObserver · 06/04/2020 10:08

The NHS already has a pretty comprehensive stop smoking service, which AIUI includes patches on prescription.

Smoking rates have been falling steadily and are the lowest they’ve been in a long time - around 20% of adults now, from memory.

Report
TinnedPearsForPudding · 06/04/2020 10:11

Smoking increases the likelihood of being very unwell from any respiratory illness. If smokers are admitted to ITU they will often be prescribed nicotine patches - managing nicotine withdrawal is an added complication which can be managed

Report
daisychain01 · 06/04/2020 10:14

So why isn’t more being done to stop people smoking?

Because we aren't in a dictatorship.

People already know the risks associated with smoking, it hasn't stopped those who have chosen to continue. Why would it be any different for the current epidemic.

Report
vodkaredbullgirl · 06/04/2020 10:15

Im waiting for some patches from Amazon.

Report
Kazzyhoward · 06/04/2020 10:16

Why would it be any different for the current epidemic.

Maybe if smokers are more likely to get complications and need medical intervention, they're taking scarce resources away from other people.

Report
daisychain01 · 06/04/2020 10:18

Of getting this virus and having complications

The risks are more associated with the fact that smokers' lungs are already compromised from smoking so getting a virus that attacks the respiratory system is going to place further burden on a failing lung capacity.

It's very sad, but not something that can be resolved by preventing those people from buying and using cigarettes, because it's their choice.

Report
Iwantacookie · 06/04/2020 10:18

Because the amount of shit that I hack up after a few weeks of not smoking wouldn't go well with coronavirus.
I'm desperately trying to quit but with so much stress it's hard especially in these times and to be honest I dont have the motivation now.
Think of it the same as a drug addict. Until they want to stop they cant.

Report
Otherrooms · 06/04/2020 10:19

Is smokers can afford the cigarettes, they can afford the patches.

At around £10 for 20 cigarettes,
I agree.
Smoker for 25+ years - now ex smoker.

Report
Tableclothing · 06/04/2020 10:20

Eh? An absolute fuckload has been done to stop people smoking over the past 20 years. Have you seriously not noticed?

Report
Greysparkles · 06/04/2020 10:25

they're taking scarce resources away from other people

This comment is bugging me.
Would you say the same of some who who had an underlying illness?
An overweight person?
An elderly person?

Who are the scarce resources for? If not for all people

Report
Ellmau · 06/04/2020 10:29

Bc the lung damage has already been done so stopping now wouldn't help. (I believe longer term it would help, but we've got the coronavirus pandemic NOW.)

Report
Kazzyhoward · 06/04/2020 10:29

Would you say the same of some who who had an underlying illness?

You can't do anything about an underlying illness, many of which aren't self inflicted.

You CAN do something about stopping/reducing smoking, and of course starting to smoke in the first place is an entirely voluntary/deliberate act.

Report
PowerslidePanda · 06/04/2020 10:29

Because the damage is already done - it takes years for the lungs to recover. If a long term smoker quits today and catches coronavirus in a couple of months, that couple of months of clean air won't have offset their risks.

Report
PowerslidePanda · 06/04/2020 10:31

Cross posted with Ellmau!

Report
PotteringAlong · 06/04/2020 10:31

If you’re willing to accept the already huge risks of things like cancer (which, let’s face it, will cost the NHS a lot more in treatment than Coronavirus will) then you’re not worried about Coronavirus.

Report
Duchessofblandings · 06/04/2020 10:31

If someone can afford cigarettes they can afford patches.

Report
ChrissieKeller61 · 06/04/2020 10:32

As an ex smoker I have more than paid for my ventilator through taxes, unlike that newborn with it's pure lungs. So I pull rank.

Report

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Weekly

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

ChrissieKeller61 · 06/04/2020 10:33

I do love the way we are already turning against each other though, didn't take long did it ?

Report
LeggyLinda · 06/04/2020 10:33

As a smoker I have been concerned about this.
I have read some studies - 1 saying smokers are less likely to catch it but more likely to develop serious complications when they do. Another study says the opposite. And a 3rd has a conclusion that was a little too complicated for my non-medical brain to fully understand.
I even read one that said vaping was just as bad - I don’t know what to think.

Obviously, quitting smoking is good advice regardless and I’m being stupid trying to look for answers. But these are stressful times to be giving up and I’m not sure if the damage is already done or not.

I think patches and help clinics are available already (obviously suspended probably at the moment)

Report
Igotthemheavyboobs · 06/04/2020 10:35

Otherrooms

Exactly! I'm an ex smoker, no judgement here. I quit with champix which I bought myself as I was so desperate to quit. Ended up being about £75 a month and was still less money than I was spending on cigarettes.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.