Coronavirus: smokers become more ill
Christiane Fux studied journalism and psychology in Hamburg. The experienced medical editor has been writing magazine articles, news and factual texts on all conceivable health topics since 2001. In addition to her work for, Christiane Fux is also active in prose. Her first crime novel was published in 2012, and she also writes, designs and publishes her own crime plays.
More posts by Christiane Fux All content is checked by medical journalists.The coronavirus could be more dangerous to smokers than to non-smokers. They are often more seriously ill - and may also be more likely to get infected.
(cf / dpa) - Smokers' lungs are generally less well protected against infections. One more reason to quit the cigarette in times of the coronavirus epidemic.
The coronavirus can potentially become more dangerous to smokers than to non-smokers. "We have relatively clear data from Wuhan," said Prof. Michael Pfeifer, President of the German Society for Pneumology, to the German Press Agency. The figures from China indicated "that the risk of a serious disease course with real pneumonia is significantly higher."
Weakened immune system in smoker's lungs
It is not yet certain whether smokers are more likely to be infected with Sars-CoV-2. But there are also some arguments in favor of this: "Smokers generally have a higher risk of suffering from viral infections," says the expert. Because smoking puts a strain on the defenses of the bronchial system, which are therefore less powerful.
Viruses and the like have an easier time of it. “We know that from everyday clinical practice,” says Pfeifer. With the current corona virus, however, this has not yet been proven.
Does smoking influence the corona risk?
But can quitting smoking actually still have an effect on the personal coronavirus risk? Pfeifer says: “It is entirely possible to influence the risk and the course of the disease even now if you stop smoking. It always makes a difference whether you are an active or a former smoker. "
Ways out of addiction
Apart from that, the body benefits from quitting smoking without any risk of coronavirus. The best way to overcome nicotine addiction can be found in the article "Quitting smoking: This is how you become a non-smoker!"
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