WHO Statement: Tobacco Use and COVID-19

Globally, tobacco is killing more than 8 million people worldwide. More than 7 million of these cases result from direct tobacco use, and about 1.2 million from non-smokers exposed to secondhand 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 the WHO on April 29, 2020, found that smokers were more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.

COVID-19 is a contagious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking disrupts the lungs and makes it difficult for the body to fight coronavirus and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and diabetes, which puts people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe disease when they are affected by COVID-19. Available research suggests that smokers have a higher risk of developing severe illness and death.

The WHO is constantly evaluating new research, including research examining the link between tobacco use, nicotine use and COVID-19. The WHO urges researchers, scientists and the media to be careful about reinforcing 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 gums and patches, are designed to help smokers quit smoking. The WHO recommends that smokers take immediate steps to quit using proven methods such as free quit lines, mobile text messaging programs and nicotine therapy.

Within 20 minutes of withdrawal, increased heart rate and drop in blood pressure. After 12 hours, the level of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks the circulation improves and lung function increases. After 1-9 months, cough and shortness of breath decrease.

The WHO emphasizes the importance of ethically approved, high-quality and systematic research that will contribute to the improvement of individual health and public health, emphasizing that the promotion of unverified interventions could have a negative impact on health. Tobacco kills more than 8 million people worldwide each year. More than 7 million of these cases result from direct tobacco use, and about 1.2 million from non-smokers exposed to secondhand 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 the WHO on April 29, 2020, found that smokers were more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.

COVID-19 is a contagious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking disrupts the lungs and makes it difficult for the body to fight coronavirus and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and diabetes, which puts people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe disease when they are affected by COVID-19. Available research suggests that smokers have a higher risk of developing severe illness and death.

The WHO is constantly evaluating new research, including research examining the link between tobacco use, nicotine use and COVID-19. The WHO urges researchers, scientists and the media to be careful about reinforcing 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 gums and patches, are designed to help smokers quit smoking. The WHO recommends that smokers take immediate steps to quit using proven methods such as free quit lines, mobile text messaging programs and nicotine therapy.

Within 20 minutes of withdrawal, increased heart rate and drop in blood pressure. After 12 hours, the level of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks the circulation improves and lung function increases. After 1-9 months, cough and shortness of breath decrease.

The WHO emphasizes the importance of ethically approved, high-quality and systematic research that will contribute to the improvement of individual health and public health, emphasizing that the promotion of unverified interventions could have a negative impact on health. Tobacco kills more than 8 million people worldwide each year. More than 7 million of these cases result from direct tobacco use, and about 1.2 million from non-smokers exposed to secondhand 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 the WHO on April 29, 2020, found that smokers were more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.

COVID-19 is a contagious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Smoking disrupts the lungs and makes it difficult for the body to fight coronavirus and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, which puts people with these conditions at higher risk for developing severe disease when they are affected by COVID-19. Available research suggests that smokers have a higher risk of developing severe illness and death.

The WHO is constantly evaluating new research, including research examining the link between tobacco use, nicotine use and COVID-19. The WHO urges researchers, scientists and the media to be careful about reinforcing 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 gums and patches, are designed to help smokers quit smoking. The WHO recommends that smokers take immediate steps to quit using proven methods such as free quit lines, mobile text messaging programs, and nicotine therapy.

Within 20 minutes of withdrawal, increased heart rate and drop in blood pressure. After 12 hours, the level of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks the circulation improves and lung function increases. After 1-9 months, cough and shortness of breath decrease.

The WHO emphasizes the importance of ethically approved, high-quality, systematic research that will contribute to the improvement of individual health and public health, emphasizing that the promotion of unverified interventions could have a negative impact on health.