WHO Resolves the controversy over the relationship of smoking to Coronavirus prevention.. What did it say?

Doha – Al-Sharq

WHO has resolved what has been said for some time about the relationship between smoking and the chances of infection or prevention of the new Coronavirus. 

“The act of smoking means that fingers, and possibly contaminated cigarettes, are in contact with the lips, which increases the likelihood of hand-to-mouth transmission of the virus, and smoking products often include things that more than one person uses, which can facilitate the transmission of corona in community and social environments,” the organization said in a statement quoted by Euronews.

“Smokers may already suffer from lung disease or poor lung level, which significantly increases the risk of serious illnesses,” WHO added. 

“Conditions that increase oxygen needs or reduce the body’s ability to use it properly will put patients at greater risk of serious lung diseases such as pneumonia,” it said.

WHO said it is reviewing research and studies on smoking and nicotine. Current evidence suggests that the severity of corona is higher among smokers.

Studies indicate that smokers were more likely to die than non-smokers during the 2012 outbreak of Mers.

The French Minister of Health said that smokers are not more at risk of coronary virus infection, but they are “more at risk of developing serious conditions”.

According to Sky News, French scientists are working on human experiments involving a group of health workers, where nicotine stickers will be placed on them, while others put on fake stickers, and the two groups are then examined to see the difference that nicotine makes against the coronavirus.

According to Sky News, the experiment is the completion of a French study published in the past few days, which confirms that those who smoke are 80% less likely to be infected with Coronavirus. 

Pierre Shangu, professor of neurology at the Pasteur Institute in France, believes nicotine can prevent the virus from reaching its receptors, while 1,500 health workers are being tested.

The trial, which began within 3 weeks and is also being conducted on 400 people hospitalized with Coronavirus, to see if the virus alters the progression of the disease.

A study published by Paris Hospitals found results described as “staggering” on the benefits of nicotine in the face of the new coronavirus.

“Nicotine” is one of the main ingredients that is included in the cigarette industry which makes the person addicted to smoking.

source: al-sharq