Tobacco kills more than 8 million people globally every year. More than 7 million of these deaths are from direct tobacco use and around 1.2 million are due to non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Tobacco smoking is a known risk factor for many respiratory infections and increases the severity of respiratory diseases. A review of studies by public health experts convened by WHO on 29 April 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers. COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes which put people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe illness when affected by COVID-19. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe disease and death. WHO is constantly evaluating new research, including research that examines the link between tobacco use, nicotine use, and COVID-19. WHO urges researchers, scientists and the media to be cautious about amplifying unproven claims that tobacco or nicotine could reduce the risk of COVID-19. There is currently insufficient information to confirm any link between tobacco or nicotine in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Nicotine replacement therapies, such as gum and patches are designed to help smokers quit tobacco. WHO recommends that smokers take immediate steps to quit by using proven methods such as toll-free quit lines, mobile text-messaging programmes, and nicotine replacement therapies. Within 20 minutes of quitting, elevated heart rate and blood pressure drop. After 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the bloodstream drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, circulation improves and lung function increases. After 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. WHO stresses the importance of ethically approved, high-quality, systematic research that will contribute to advancing individual and public health, emphasizing that promotion of unproven interventions could have a negative effect on health.
WHO Warns of Tobacco Use Risks Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
The WHO highlights the severe health risks associated with tobacco use, particularly in the context of COVID-19, emphasizing that smokers face higher risks of severe illness. This is relevant for Iran, where tobacco use is prevalent and public health measures are critical. The WHO urges smokers to quit using proven methods to improve health outcomes.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The WHO has issued a warning about the heightened health risks of tobacco use, especially for smokers during the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the need for smokers to quit using proven methods to reduce health risks.
- Tobacco kills over 8 million people globally each year, with significant risks associated with COVID-19.
- Smokers are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 symptoms due to impaired lung function.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, and its health impacts are exacerbated during respiratory pandemics like COVID-19.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 100%