Gov UK recently released a study from China that shows the impact of Covid-19 on smokers and the people around them who are exposed to the second-hand smoke. “The evidence clearly shows COVID-19 virus attacks the respiratory system, which explains why smokers are at greater risk”; the airways and lungs are damaged by smoking and secondhand smoke (which means if you smoke, you could be putting the people around you at risk as well).
Government guidance during the Coronavirus is to avoid touching your face, which means the constant hand to mouth movement needed for smoking is putting you at greater risk.
“There has never been a more important time to stop smoking. Not only for your own health but to protect those around you. It will also help alleviate the huge pressures on the NHS” – Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England.
There are plenty of benefits to quitting.
- We have brush like hairs in the airways to clean out mucous and debris, the chemicals from cigarettes make it harder for the cilia to move and can kill them. After 24 hours with no cigarettes there is an improvement in the function of the cilia.
- After 48 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris
- After 72 hours breathing becomes easier
- After 2 to 12 weeks blood circulation improves which will make physical activity like walking and running easier
It is never too late to quit! Research found that in those who quit smoking, up to 40% of their cells look just like people who had never smoked, even when the patient had smoked a pack a day for 40 years. Take a look at our article on how smoke-damaged lungs can heal to find out more.
We can help you to quit smoking. Everyone Health provides free sessions with stop smoking practitioners to help you quit. We also can provide Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help you manage cravings. Call: 0333 005 0095 today. Quit today.