China News Service Client, Beijing, May 13 (Reporter Zhang Ni) Recently, the WHO issued a statement saying that there is not enough information at present to confirm that tobacco or nicotine is related to the prevention or treatment of 2019 coronavirus disease. The risk of serious illness and death is higher.
Photographed by Xinhe reporter Zhang Hengwei in the picture
WHO emphasizes that more than 8 million people worldwide die from tobacco every year. More than 7 million of them died from direct tobacco use, and about 1.2 million non-smokers died from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Smoking is a known risk factor for many respiratory infections and can increase the severity of respiratory diseases.
A review of research conducted by public health experts convened by WHO on April 29, 2020 found that smokers are more likely to develop severe 2019 coronavirus disease than non-smokers.
Coronavirus disease 2019 is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. Smoking causes damage to lung function, making it more difficult for the body to resist coronavirus and other diseases. Tobacco is also a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases and diabetes. When affected by 2019 coronavirus disease, people who already have such diseases are at higher risk of serious illness.
Existing research also shows that smokers have a higher risk of developing severe illness and death.
In addition, WHO is constantly evaluating new research, including some studies that examine the correlation between tobacco use, nicotine use, and 2019 coronavirus disease.
WHO urges researchers, scientists and media to be cautious about exaggerating unproven tobacco or nicotine for reducing the risk of coronavirus disease in 2019. There is currently not enough information to confirm that tobacco or nicotine has any connection to prevent or treat 2019 coronavirus disease. (Finish)