Smokers warned over winter virus dangers
Smokers in Sunderland are being urged to get set for winter – by quitting
The advice comes after a major new study found that smoking is linked to more severe Covid-19 and the odds of death doubled even in light smokers.
The study found that people who smoke were 80% more likely to be admitted to hospital and significantly more likely to die – double among light smokers, fivefold among moderate smokers, and more than six-fold among heavy smokers.
Ailsa Rutter, director of North East anti-smoking group Fresh, said: “At the start of the pandemic we saw a big increase in smokers quitting but people can relapse, especially after a summer of freedom.
"If you’ve quit before you can do it again. If you're a smoker, it is incredibly important to give quitting a go, especially as the winter approaches. Stopping smoking brings important health benefits at any age.”
Respiratory consultant Dr Ruth Sharrock, said: “Having looked after patients admitted to hospital throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, I have seen the devastation it causes first hand. We are still caring for those suffering from the infection, its complications and its prolonged recovery phase.
“This research helps clinicians give very clear advice to smokers that, even smoking fewer than nine cigarettes a day doubles the risks of dying from Covid-19.
“We must do everything we can to help smokers quit before winter and friends and loved ones can support people making a quit attempt.
“We will all need to put ourselves in the best possible position we can to stay healthy this winter.”