Risk from second hand smoke?

[Worrywobbles]

Name changed for this. And I just wanted to say, before anyone comes on to tell me that my anxiety is way out of proportion, the rational part of my brain knows that but the irrational part does not and that’s the part that is spiraling.

I wondered if anyone knew the covid risk from second hand smoke?

I am shielding but am allowed out for walks. I had to go into the road to avoid some runners today and a car went past where someone was smoking. The smell of smoke hit me as the car went past and now I’m riddled with anxiety about the potential Covid risk. Google made it worse with lots of sites suggesting say if you’re close enough to smell smoke there could be Covid particles in it.

I’m hoping someone will be able to offer some reassurance as right now it’s causing me so much anxiety I can’t get on with the rest of my day. (I am on medication for anxiety but it’s not helping right now).

I don’t think you need to worry at all, it has happened to me a lot on walks and I used to feel quite stressed about it especially when out with my baby, however outdoor transmission is so low risk and as the car and you were moving I really don’t think it is a risk to you. Don’t let it put you off going for walks

@Katie517

I don’t think you need to worry at all, it has happened to me a lot on walks and I used to feel quite stressed about it especially when out with my baby, however outdoor transmission is so low risk and as the car and you were moving I really don’t think it is a risk to you. Don’t let it put you off going for walks

I was right by their open window in the middle Of the road and it’s only a 20mph zone so they weren’t even going very fast. Maybe I’ll feel better once the panic subsided.

You definitely won’t catch Covid from this. And if you do you can come back here and shout at me hope that helps!

If you are shielding you have probably had one vax already so it wouldnt be too bad

Some studies have found that nicotine attaches to ACE2 receptors, preventing the virus from attaching and potentially reducing the amount of virus that can get into a person’s lung cells, so I wouldn't be worrying about second hand smoke.

Thank you.