Letter to the Editor: Quit smoking to reduce risk of Covid-19

Smokers may be more likely to get infected and spread it to others.

While it is too early to get definitive evidence, a study from China published online in the Chinese Medical Journal, involving 78 patients with Covid-19, found that those with a history of smoking were 14 times more likely to develop pneumonia which is the most severe complication of this infection and the most common cause of death.

Smokers may also be more likely to get infected and spread it to others.

I would encourage everyone to stop smoking immediately to protect themselves and their loved ones.

They may also help the community as they may free up hospital beds for other sick (non-smoking) patients.

While vaping may be less harmful, it is not without risks.

Dr David Buckley

The Ashe Street Clinic

Tralee

Co Kerry

This readers’ opinion will be published in the letters page of the Irish Examiner print edition on March 24, 2020.

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