Smoking increases risk x 14

[ivykaty44]

Of getting this virus and having complications

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

Guardian said smoking might lessen chances of catching it, but that once you do, you’re more likely to succumb.

Depends what colour underpants you’re wearing, too. I’m so
Confused and anxious. Sorry.

Nope didnt take long to get on my nerves lol

chrissiekeller why is suggesting help with cessation of smoking, turning against someone?

I don't smoke but I can well see that if a country allows a substance to be sold and - crucically - taxes that substance for the country's financial benefit, then those people who legally buy and consume said product should still get the support of the state in the same way as someone who didn't consume that substance would.

As someone who gave up, if you go onto patches you will save money so no need to offer them for free. When I gave up, you could get them free but it was quite a drama to actually get the prescription.

I read that smokers are less likely to catch the virus but suffer more complications. But if you give up, it will change your life regardless of covid.

'Lifestyle choices' are frequently not really choices at all. Once you dig down a bit. We are all human, we are all flawed. Except of course for the 8st Mumsnetter who does HIIT from her maisonette and drinks only the purified tears of newborn goats. She's front of the queue for the ventilator.

That's not to say that we all should, where possible, make health-centred decisions about what we eat, drink, and expose ourselves to. But health covers many aspects.

Free support to stop smoking is available here:

www.nhs.uk/smokefree?

But if you give up, it will change your life regardless of covid

100%!

I missed smoking for so long but I'm out the other end of that and am so glad I don't smoke anymore.

Surely anything that affects lung function is an extra risk. This is hardly suprising. So smoking, asthma, COPD, excess weight, etc etc are all going to affect the risk profile.

Does the same apply to vaping?

Really??? Smoking is bad for your lungs?? well I never knew that
Next you'll be telling me that the Pope is Catholic.

I have sent for some sprays and lozenges to see if I can stop
Apparently the extra risks also come with drinking alcohol and being a in my DH words a BFB
Now I smoke too much am only a little overweight and haven’t drunk alcohol in 15 years
I have read that smokers are less likely to catch it in the first place Perhaps the virus has a dislike for nicotine
So will have get in the right frame of mind to stop funny as a recovering alcoholic booze was easier to stop that the cigarettes
Must be fairly healthy on go to the doctors every 15 years or so
Another factor I believe is stress I think that anxiety and stress can have an effect on your immune system Too laid back to get stressed over something I have very little control over

Those who smoke know of the risks they take. If they're happy to take a chance with cancer; I doubt they'll give a shit about CV.

I'm an ex-smoker and I know for a fact that I didn't give a shit about any illnesses when it came to me having my fix.

There's plenty of support for smokers out there, they will be aware of it. It's up to them to give up; if they don't want to, they can't be forced.

"Less likely to catch" is probably correlation, not causation.

Our Elite caught Covid 1st is huge numbers due to travel and contact with international centres of infection. So the demographics of early infection would have weighted towards non (or light social) smokers.

And if the govt can order us confined to our homes, they can ban the sale of cigarettes.

It's not that big of a step and is a damn site healthier than restricting exercise, fresh air and sunshine.

Vape is thought to worsen the illness, so ban that too.

Acupoftea there's nothing definite yet, but it seems possible
www.scientificamerican.com/article/smoking-or-vaping-may-increase-the-risk-of-a-severe-coronavirus-infection1/
I was a heavy smoker who quit using patches 15 years ago. I paid for them myself, I wouldn't have dreamed of getting them on prescription. There is such a thing as accepting responsibilty for one's own health. Same with weight control and alcohol.
From what I remember, lung function starts to improve significantly after a couple of days of not smoking, so it's worth considering quitting even now. After all, coronavirus will probably be circulating for the next year at least.

And if the govt can order us confined to our homes, they can ban the sale of cigarettes

It's not that big of a step and is a damn site healthier than restricting exercise, fresh air and sunshine

I don't think they can afford to lose the tax ££ that comes from the sale of cigarettes. Especially now!

I'm an ex-smoker and I know for a fact that I didn't give a shit about any illnesses when it came to me having my fix.

My grandfather died of Emphysema aged 50. Even in hospital he was puffing away to the bitter end, so I think for some that is sadly true what pp says above.

@PicsInRed

You are joking aren't you?
Why should smoking/vaping be banned? We're already confined to our homes ffs - take anymore personal choices away and we're fast travelling into a totalitarian state.

It's a slippery slope once you start banning things that are a personal choice (smoking, drinking, gambling...)

It will never happen, banning the sale of cigarettes.

@middleager I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather, that must've been heartbreaking/frustrating to watch

The kick up the backside I needed was my DD. Knowing that if I had cancer/emphysema/COPD and died, she would have no one made me feel sick.
I packed up when I was pregnant and haven't touched one since.

But I don't doubt that, if I'd not had her, I'd still be smoking now.

Thanks Got I never got to meet him because of that.
My mother still took up smoking after that and is a heavy smoker now, but I know that is her decision.

My FIL gave up at the age of 80! Went on to vapes and now nothing. He's in a vulnerable category as he also had a triple heart bypass but I hope 4 years of not smoking has helped.

Well done on giving up, that's a real achievement!

WHO seems to think smokers are more likely to catch Coronavirus and have further complications www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-on-smoking-and-covid-19

Where is the evidence that smokers are less likely to catch the virus?

Where is the evidence that smokers are less likely to catch the virus?

There isn't conclusive evidence either way yet.

However, the virus infects us by binding to ACE-2 receptors. Smokers may have more or less ACE-2 receptors in their lungs depending on which study you read. If it is less, that would offer some protection.

www.bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m1087/rr-0