One of the groups that are considered vulnerable to being infected with the Corona virus are smokers. In addition, the severity of COVID-19 experienced by smokers is usually also heavier than people who do not smoke. That is why, smoking habits need to be stopped immediately, especially during this pandemic.
Corona Virus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that attacks the respiratory system and can cause acute lung infections and even death.
If you need a COVID-19 test, click on the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Corona virus infection or COVID-19 can cause mild symptoms like the flu, can also cause severe and fatal symptoms. Groups of people who are at high risk for experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms are the elderly, people with certain diseases or comorbid diseases, people with obesity, and smokers.
Why Are Smokers Vulnerable to Corona Virus Infection?
When smoking, the hands will be in contact with the lips more often. This can increase the risk of transmitting the virus from hands to mouth, especially if hands are not washed often.
In addition, exposure to smoke from tobacco cigarettes and aerosols from e-cigarettes can weaken the respiratory tract and reduce the body's immune system's ability to fight germs, including the Corona virus. This makes smokers more susceptible to infection.
Smoking sisha is also no safer. Sisha is usually shared by a group of people. Gathering like this alone can increase the risk of transmitting the virus from splashing saliva while chatting or laughing, not to mention if someone is coughing or sneezing.
Sisha is sucked using a tool like a hose. This hose is often used interchangeably so it has the potential to be a means of transferring the Corona virus from one person to another.
Why is the Corona Virus Dangerous for Smokers?
Smoking habits can cause damage to the lungs and airways that will cause diseases of the respiratory system, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and even lung cancer.
These conditions can reduce the function of the lungs to take oxygen from the air. If there is a Corona virus infection, lung function will decrease so that the sufferer is very at risk of experiencing shortness of breath which can be fatal.
Not only causes respiratory problems, smoking can also cause various other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessels) or cancer in other organs outside the respiratory system. These diseases can weaken the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight the incoming Corona virus.
As a result, the virus becomes easier to multiply and cause more damage to the airways and lungs. If smokers have decreased lung function, Corona virus infection will certainly make this condition worse.
This is what causes smokers to be more at risk of complications and death from the Corona virus.
The Dangers Facing Smokers When Infected With Corona Virus
The following are some of the dangerous complications due to COVID-19 that can be experienced by smokers:
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. This inflammation makes it difficult for sufferers to breathe and absorb oxygen from the air. As a result, the supply of oxygen to the blood and to all body tissues will decrease.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or acute respiratory distress syndrome is one of the most common complications of COVID-19. This condition can be a continuation of pneumonia.
ARDS is caused by a cytokine storm which then causes severe lung damage and causes fluid to leak into the lungs. As a result, the lungs cannot supply enough oxygen to the bloodstream.
Acute respiratory failure
Respiratory failure occurs when the lungs can no longer supply enough oxygen to the blood and cannot remove carbon dioxide from the blood. This condition will cause disturbances in the balance of gases in the blood and adversely affect the organs in the body, such as the kidneys, liver, and heart, and can even cause death.
During this Corona virus outbreak, start living a healthy life by not smoking. Do prevention of COVID-19 by doing physical distancing, eating nutritious food, washing hands regularly, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.
If you have questions about COVID-19 or other health problems, use the Alodokter app to chat directly with the doctor without having to leave the house.
If you need a direct examination from a doctor, you should not go directly to the hospital because it will increase your risk of contracting the Corona virus. Make an appointment first with a doctor at the hospital through the Alodokter application, so you can be directed to see the nearest doctor who can help you.
