iCovidQuit Campaign

Research is still inconclusive regarding whether a smoker's respiratory tract is more likely to "grab" the virus. But since smoking can make the infection become more serious, it is prudent to stop now.

Yes. There are many studies that show that smokers who get sick with COVID-19 can become more seriously ill and have worse outcomes. Smokers with COVID-19 are more likely to go to the ICU, need a ventilator to help them breathe, and are more likely to die. Smoking increases the duration and severity of other viral infections as well.

Because COVID-19 affects the lungs and smokers' lungs are weaker than those of non-smokers. Smoking damages the tiny hair-like cilia of the lungs, making them less able to sweep away dirt and mucous. When the cilia can't clean the lungs completely, the lungs are less able to fight infections. Smoking also weakens the immune system, creating more likelihood of getting sick and staying sick longer.

The lungs begin working better within the first few weeks of quitting smoking, the risk of heart attack goes down and the immune system begins to heal, improving the ability to fight other infections. The benefits of quitting smoking are numerous and begin almost immediately - within 20 minutes - of the last cigarette.

 Not at this time, but several studies are trying to explore this issue. Until we know more, it is prudent to assume there is no protective effect.

COVID-19 is most likely transmitted through close contact with a person while they are infectious or 24 hours before their symptoms appeared, or close contact with a person with a confirmed infection who coughs or sneezes. Coughing is a risk factor for the spread of COVID-19. The irritation caused in the airways by inhaling tobacco means that people who smoke tend to cough more frequently than non-smokers. Read more here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/index.html

Though it feels like a relief for a short time, the body actually goes through withdrawal, physically and mentally, between cigarettes because it's addicted. Quitting smoking will actually lower one's overall stress after about 1-3 weeks with effects similar to an anti-depressant. Yet another benefit to quitting! Read more here: https://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g1151

Yes! After 8 hours of not smoking, oxygen levels begin to return to normal levels. This helps tissues and blood vessels get more oxygen, making it easier to breathe.

Calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW is a great first step! It's important to have support. When you call, you can talk to a counselor as much or as little as you'd like. They can help you create a quit plan and even refer you to a healthcare provider who can help with other resources such as prescription medications and/or over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy.

Great question! Quitting smoking actually improves someone's chances of long-term sobriety by 25%! Through the California Behavioral Health and Wellness Initiative, we at the SCLC have provided technical support and guided many programs through their process of becoming tobacco-free. In the interest of improving a person's overall wellness, encouraging tobacco-free recovery provides more and longer-lasting benefits to your clients. Contact us at (877) 509-3786 for more information, resources and support!