COVID-19 is a mild to severe respiratory illness that is caused by a coronavirus and is transmitted mainly by exposure to respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and may progress to pneumonia and respiratory failure. 

Researchers and medical professionals are saying it is reasonable to assume that smoking, and possibly vaping, could increase the risk of developing serious adverse effects from COVID-19. In general, long-term smokers and e-cigarette users are at a heightened risk of developing chronic lung conditions. 

• The CDC has said that those with serious underlying medical conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes, may be at a higher risk from COVID-19. 
  
• Smoking and vaping have been shown to affect the lungs and the immune system, which strongly suggests that using these products increases the risk of infection and worse outcomes from COVID-19.
• Experts are warning, based on current research, that people with compromised health due to smoking or vaping and people with opioid, methamphetamine, cannabis, and other substance use disorders could find themselves at increased risk of COVID-19 and its more serious complications. 

With the global outbreak of COVID-19, now is the best time to quit tobacco use, and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, in order to keep your body resilient against disease. 

There are free resources available that Hoosiers can use in the comfort of their own home, including the Indiana Tobacco Quitline. Those who are ready to quit can call
1-800-Quit-Now for phone counseling, or by visiting QuitNowIndiana.com for more information.   

Young people interested in quitting vaping can text ‘Indiana’ to 88709 to enroll in the
'This Is Quitting' text messaging program.

Columbus Regional Health supports the health and well being of our staff and visitors through our smoke-free campus policy, which includes e-cigarettes.