Several recent scientific publications indicate that smokers are more likely to be admitted to ICU with COVID-19. In addition, among those who have died of the virus, more have been smokers than nonsmokers. We’ll know more conclusively as more data become available, however it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. Prior to COVID, studies have shown that smokers are more than twice as likely to get the flu and have worse symptoms. Smokers also had a higher mortality rate during the previous MERS-CoV outbreak.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7083240/
Author: Romilly Hodges, MS CNS
https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/ Romilly Hodges, MS CNS CN IFMCP CKNS, holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, CT, and is board certified in nutrition through the American Nutrition Association and in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine. She is involved in education for the healthcare consumer and nutrition professional through clinic residencies, articles, book contributions, online programs, and speaking engagements. She has written for peer-reviewed consultation and is involved in primary clinical research.