Smokers likely to be at greater risk of catching Covid-19 because they touch their faces while smoking

SMOKERS could catch Covid-19 more easily because smoking means they touch their faces more often.

That’s the warning from the World Health Organisation and leading scientists who are urging smokers to give up the habit.

The WHO has warned on its website that the hand to mouth action of smoking could put smokers more at risk of contracting the virus.

“Smokers are likely to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 as the act of smoking means that fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) are in contact with lips which increases the possibility of transmission of virus from hand to mouth.”

They were joined by Dr Tom Wingfield, Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Physician at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. He said: “Regular touching of the mouth and face during smoking and sharing cigarettes could potentially increase the risk of contracting infections including Covid-19.”

Smokers have already been found to be at increased risk of developing lung illness if they catch Covid-19 as smoking weakens the body’s natural lung defences. A study from China has found that smokers are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease if they catch Covid-19.

They are being urged to quit to improve their chances of fighting the virus, with the health benefits of giving up kicking in within minutes of smoking their last cigarette.

Dr Wingfield said: “There is good evidence that, compared to non-smokers, smokers are at higher risk of severe Covid-19 lung disease and even death than people who do not smoke. The exact reasons behind this are not yet clear but, compared to non-smokers, smokers are more likely to have high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and circulatory problems, all of which are associated with higher chance of severe Covid-19 disease and death.
“In the short-term, it’s possible that quitting smoking could help you avoid Covid-19 and probable that it would improve your immune response against the coronavirus. In the long-term, not only will you save money but you will also gain years of life! Quitting smoking is one of the biggest single things you can do to improve your health.”

Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, went on to urge the families and friends of smokers to support their quit attempt:
“Since the outbreak began we have urged smokers to quit as a matter of urgency or face the risk of severe complications from Covid-19.
“The family and friends of smokers have a big part in this, whether that’s by telling them why it’s important to quit, motivating them to stay smoke-free, or including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the weekly shop.
“During lockdown most smokers will not have access to the face to face smoking cessation support they would normally receive from GPs, pharmacies or Help Me Quit staff. That’s why it is more important than ever for loved ones to step in and support the smoker in their life to quit.”

The immediate benefits of quitting smoking are:
– After 48 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body and the lungs start to clear our mucus and other smoking debris
– After 72 hours breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes begin to relax
– After 2 to 12 weeks blood circulation improves, making physical activity like walking and running easier.

NHS Wales’ Help Me Quit service has brought in more telephone advisers to provide smoking cessation support via it’s helpline to meet increased demand from smokers during the Covid-19 pandemic. To receive free advice call the helpline on 0800 085 2219 or visit https://www.helpmequit.wales.

Community pharmacies also provide smoking cessation support, however they are experiencing higher than usual demand at present so it is best to ring before visiting to find out if help is available. To find your local community pharmacy visit www.cpwales.org.uk

Alternatively, you can buy nicotine replacement therapy products from your local supermarket or online.

ASH Wales runs an online support group on Facebook, Quit Smoking (Wales). To join visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/733935793649137/

Quit smoking for life in lockdown – an insider’s guide


John Dicey, is CEO of Allen Carr’s Easyway quit smoking programme and has helped thousands of people across the world to give up the habit.  And as a former 80-a day smoker he knows all too well the challenges they face.

In this latest instalment of his exclusive guide to quitting smoking in lockdown, he shares some of the lessons he learnt during his own quit smoking journey and busts some myths in the process.

The key to happiness

When I smoked the concept of happy non-smokers used to make me raise an eyebrow. Having attempted to quit smoking with every other method known to man, and always found it impossible to last more than a few hours, I was not inclined to believe anyone brave enough to suggest to me that, not only could I stop smoking, but that I could be happy to do so. More than that, it used to annoy me a bit.
I smoked every minute, of every day, from the moment I woke up in the morning to the moment I fell asleep. I also had no idea that the reason I was inclined to stay up so late, often into the small hours of the morning regardless of the long hours I worked, was my apparent need and desire to smoke…I really felt the need to maximise my smoking every single day and every single night.

When you attempt to quit smoking using willpower you think of all the horrible disadvantages of smoking. The fear about our health, the financial cost, our family’s concern for us, the slavery, the stigma, and the constant feeling of tiredness and lethargy. But on the other side of the argument we worry about how on earth we can live without our pleasure, our crutch, the thing that we think defines us – there’s a real fear of how we can cope.
On both sides of that argument there is one thing; pure fear. Fear of what’ll happen if we carry on smoking versus fear of what will happen if we stop, how will we cope? Ironically, both sets of fear are caused by one thing; cigarettes.
That argument never ends and even if the poor smoker succeeds in quitting for a while, they remain obsessed with the loss of their perceived pleasure or crutch.
But if you look at the issue differently, and examine the arguments “for” smoking, and if someone is able to explain in simple terms how we’ve been conned into thinking cigarettes do those things for us but in fact, they don’t…it becomes not only easy to stop – but ridiculously enjoyable.
That is the magic that happened to me over 20 years ago and that is the magic that can happen to you. All you need to do is see smoking for what it really is; something that has fooled you into thinking it gives you pleasure and benefit whereas in fact, it gives you nothing. Except pain.

The appetite myth

Smoking certainly seems to suppress your appetite doesn’t it? But that’s the thing with confidence tricks – they seem to do what they seem to do…but they don’t. I used to be so certain that smoking helped control my appetite, even though I was horribly overweight as a smoker. I’d be part of the way through a tough day at work, I’d feel hungry – but didn’t have time to grab lunch – I’d light a cigarette instead. The hunger seemed to disappear. It never occurred to me that a non-smoker in that exact same situation, feeling hungry but not having time to grab lunch, would ignore their hunger and a few minutes later – the feeling of hunger would be gone. A non-smoker doesn’t give credit to cigarettes, or anything else for that matter when that happens. However, a smoker will be convinced that it was the cigarette that got rid of the feeling of hunger. It’s you who has controlled what you’ve eaten – in spite of smoking, not because of it.

The ‘habit’ of smoking

I always thought of smoking as a habit, although deep down in my heart I knew I was addicted. The fact is – we’d much rather view it as a habit that we find hard to break than as an addiction. One is forgivable vice – the other is an acceptance that we have become enslaved. We hide from the truth.
We think we got into the habit of smoking and then got addicted to nicotine – but it works the other way around. First, we got addicted to nicotine and then we got into the habit of smoking. The addiction came first. The importance of that is knowing you need to tackle the addiction. The habit and the addiction are easy to break…as long as you’re happy to be free.
The habit of smoking might give you that “I want a cigarette” thought as you step off a bus. For someone using willpower to quit – that’s a horrible moment – the feelings of loss and sorrow, the feeling that you’re that pleasure or crutch are increased and become more and more intense. But for someone who’s genuinely happy to be free – it’s a moment of pleasure. They brush away the thought happy that they don’t have to smoke any more. It’s like getting rid of a disease.

Cutting down

I tried cutting down a few times, but it just made cigarettes seem more precious and after each attempt to cut down – I’d go back to smoking even more than before. That’s how I ended up as a chain-smoker. Cutting down tends not to work for that reason – it makes cigarettes more precious rather than less. Those that manage it on a long-term basis tend to binge smoke when circumstances allow them to – when they’re under the influence of alcohol for example. They spend every day trying to limit the amount they smoke. It normally turns out to be pretty miserable.
Deciding to stop smoking is the key to your prison cell
It’s the distractions that prevent us from making a positive decision to quit that cause most harm. We kid ourselves that cutting down will work, in our heart of hearts we know it won’t last. We’re beaten before we even try. Ask yourself a question:
DO YOU WANT TO BE A SMOKER FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE – SMOKING DAY AFTER DAY, NIGHT AFTER NIGHT, NEVER BEING ALLOWED TO STOP?
Your answer to that question will always be “no”. Nothing will ever change your answer to that question.
Now you can either decide to be free from the whole filthy nightmare and spend the rest of your life celebrating your freedom – or you can try a half-hearted attempt to cut down or resist temptation with a feeling of doom and gloom.

Attitude Is Everything – GO FOR IT!

If you want to quit smoking on your own – it’ll be my pleasure to provide you with some further advice and guidance, or answer your questions, over the coming week or so. If you’d like to use Allen Carr’s Easyway I’m delighted to highlight some options for you below (many of which are FREE).
The great thing about Allen Carr’s method is that you carry on smoking until you’re happy to stub out your final cigarette – so there’s no need to panic or worry – take your time and pick your moment – in the meantime, if you intend to use Allen Carr’s Easyway to quit please do carry on smoking (unless you’ve already quit of course), and if you want to quit on your own – start thinking about when. There is no time like the present.

ONLINE>FREE: Live Online Group Seminar: Our Live Online Group Seminars (normal cost £299) are absolutely free for Vitality Health Insurance policyholders. The seminars are live and interactive and led by a Senior Allen Carr’s Easyway Therapist who will guide you through the process and all you need to “attend” is a laptop or tablet.

ONLINE>25% OFF: Live Online Group Seminar: If you’re not fortunate enough to have Vitality Health Insurance then you can enjoy a 25% discount if you attend one of our Live Online Group Seminars (normal price £299 so now £149.50) in April or May (book quick because places are limited). Use code LOCKDOWN when booking & if you complete the programme and don’t quit smoking your fee is refunded in full.

ONLINE>FREE: Quit smoking audiobook: Audible allow new members a free book when they open an account. You’re under no obligation to make any subsequent purchases and they’ll allow you to have a free copy of ‘Allen Carr’s Quit Smoking Boot Camp’ audiobook. It’s delivered direct to your phone. I’d recommend this particular Allen Carr book as it tackles more contemporary issues than the original, ‘Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking’, which is also available for free to new members of Audible.

ONLINE>FULL PRICE: Online Video Programme: Our Online Video Programme is a highly effective 2.5 hour audio-visual programme that costs £149.

ONLINE>FREE via Email: If you just quit smoking, regardless of what method you’re using, and need some support please do get in touch. We’re happy to provide free of charge advice to anyone in need of it regardless of whether they are using Allen Carr’s Easyway method or not. Don’t worry that the link takes you to “Support after using Allen Carr’s Easyway” just make it clear in your correspondence whether you’ve used Allen Carr’s Easyway or not.
You can get more information on all of the above by clicking here

Smoking and Covid-19 – Your Questions Answered

Dr Tom Wingfield, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Physician at the Departments of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, answered our questions about why smokers face a higher risk from Covid-19 and the benefits of quitting now.

Are smokers at great risk of contracting Covid-19?

Although evidence about the risk to smokers of contracting Covid-19 is limited, it would seem likely that smokers may be at increased risk than non-smokers. Smokers are at higher risk of lung infections and pneumonia, chronic lung diseases such as “COPD”, and smoking can also dampen the immune response. In addition, regular touching of the mouth and face during smoking and sharing cigarettes could potentially increase the risk of contracting infections including Covid-19

Are smokers at greater risk of developing lung illness from  Covid-19 if they catch the virus?

There is good evidence that, compared to non-smokers, smokers are at higher risk of severe Covid-19 lung disease and even death than people who do not smoke. The exact reasons behind this are not yet clear but, compared to non-smokers, smokers are more likely to have high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and circulatory problems, all of which are associated with higher chance of severe Covid-19 disease and death.

Can smokers improve their chances of fighting the virus if they quit smoking now?

The benefits of stopping smoking are massive and not only for your health but also for your pocket – think of all the other fantastic things you could do with the money you spend on tobacco!

In the short-term, it’s possible that quitting smoking could help you avoid Covid-19 and probable that it would improve your immune response against the coronavirus. In the long-term, not only will you save money but you will also gain years of life! Quitting smoking is one of the biggest single things you can do to improve your health.

What advice would you give to smokers now?

Quit now to save money and extend your lifespan for free!

Smokers in Wales who want to give up can access free help and advice from the NHS Wales Help Me Quit smoking cessation service by calling 0800 085 2219 or by visiting helpmequit.wales

Allen Carr boss answers your questions on how to quit smoking in lockdown

Following on from his first blog on smoking and Coronavirus, John Dicey, a former 80 a day smoker who is now Global CEO & Senior Therapist, of Allen Carr’s Easyway quitting smoking coronavirusorganisation answers your questions on the best ways to quit smoking whilst in lockdown. 

What is your main message to smokers in light of the Covid-19 pandemic?

I think we’ve all probably heard the advice from the world’s leading medical officers about smokers being more vulnerable if they get COVID-19 . The message has been pretty clear; now would be a great time to quit smoking.

The #QuitForCovid campaign is gaining momentum on a daily basis, and lots of people seem determined to emerge from lockdown having gained something positive.

My message to smokers would be that there’s never been a better time to stop. Not because of lockdown, financial issues, or health worries but simply because it would be wonderful to emerge from this crisis free from the slavery of smoking. That’s a bonus that will stay with you forever and not just for Covid-19.

What advice would you give to smokers who are worried about how they will cope with cigarette cravings if they quit smoking?

Allen Carr, quitting smoking I was a bad case, a chain-smoker, and I’d panic if I got down to my last 20 cigarettes – let alone my last few. But on the few occasions I found myself with only a couple of cigarettes left I’d experience what I thought was the physical withdrawal from nicotine. It was an extremely uptight, panicky, anxious, stressed feeling – the feeling that would-be quitters dread.

What’s less obvious and was certainly not obvious to me at the time, is that the feeling didn’t go away when I lit my second-to-last cigarette. In fact, the feeling would get worse! Now think about that for a moment. Whatever was causing those feelings – it can’t possibly have been nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine was flooding into my body; I was smoking a cigarette at that time.

Nicotine withdrawal does exist – but it’s actually an extremely mild, slightly empty, slightly insecure feeling and is almost imperceptible. The real discomfort a smoker experiences when they quit without proper advice and guidance is caused by a mental process. The sense that they are missing out on some sort of pleasure or benefit. It’s that belief that causes those unpleasant physical symptoms. They’re real physical symptoms – but they’re caused by a thought process. Change the thought process and you don’t get the unpleasant physical symptoms.

If you quit smoking with a great frame of mind, a sense that you’re escaping from something rather than “giving up” something, the physical withdrawal from nicotine really isn’t a problem.

How can they prepare themselves to quit smoking?

The important thing is to make a choice. Rather than feel obliged to quit because of health concerns, or money concerns, or pressure from friends or family – ignore all that stuff. It’s all very negative. Instead start viewing smoking for what it is – simply addiction to nicotine.

If you can understand that nicotine addiction, and the mental processes it causes, fools you into thinking that cigarettes relieve discomfort rather than cause discomfort you’re halfway to freedom already.

Cigarettes don’t cure the discomfort – they cause it. Allen Carr explained it perfectly, he described it as like wearing horribly tight shoes all day – just for the relief of taking them off when you get home. Now we all probably make the odd sacrifice of comfort in the interests of fashion – but we simply wouldn’t wear horribly tight shoes just for the sense of relief when we take them off.

How can people quit smoking whilst under lockdown without behavioural support of nicotine replacement therapy to hand?

Part of the challenge of getting through lockdown is having to do without those things which we take for granted. Although some stop smoking services across the country are valiantly attempting to continue providing their support – it’s clear that as the crisis deepens it will be less available, if at all. My message is clear, there is nothing to fear from quitting smoking and Allen Carr’s Easyway are happy to provide free of charge advice to anyone, whether they elect to use Easyway – or decide to simply quit smoking on their own.

The options are easily accessible, they don’t require you to leave the house or use any kind of nicotine or other kind of drug and if you follow the guidance they deliver – you should not only find it easy to stop smoking – but thoroughly enjoyable. There is nothing to fear and everything to gain.

What advice would you give to the friends and family of anyone wanting to quit smoking whilst under lockdown?

In our eagerness to help our loved ones to quit we want to be encouraging, supportive, and “there” for them, but this often comes across as pressure. Whether it’s repeatedly checking in with them, “How are you feeling about it?”, then asking the exact same question half an hour later, or whether it’s tip-toeing around them in case you risk messing with their mojo, “less” is definitely “best”.

Be loving, warm, and considerate – but try to be as normal as possible. If the person who’s quit says something about having quit, like, “I’m doing great”, then hearty congratulations and encouragement are the perfect response. An extra cuddle or hug (if you’re self-isolating with them) or a big thumbs up message if you’re not.

If you see that they’re struggling – or if perhaps they fail – please don’t judge them. It is easy to stop smoking – but only if you know how. Never be angry with them for failing – if you understood addiction then you’d understand why.

If people have tried quitting smoking are under stress and are urgently craving a cigarette as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, what would you advise them to do?

I think the nation is still a little in shock. Never, in peacetime, have so many of the population been so stressed simultaneously. It’s inescapable. So, the first thing to remember is that the stress is real. The second thing to remember is that far from relieving that stress, smoking would add to it further. The third thing to remember is that the stress can only hurt you if you let it.

For those of us lucky enough not to be on the front line of this crisis we should undertake to control our stress levels for the benefit of those who are. There are an extraordinary number of people for whom we must gratefully remain “de-stressed”; doctors, nurses, volunteers, and anyone who is out there working hard, in the most difficult conditions imaginable, to help us get through this crisis. We can help them all – just by taking good care of ourselves. Physically and mentally.

There are so many brilliant resources online, via apps, or books, or audiobooks and podcasts that can help everyone deal with the stress that this crisis is causing.

For those heroes at the front line I would say a similar thing, but ever so gently, ever so respectfully, I’d say – do what you can, at this terrible time, in these terrible conditions, to somehow find relief from the incredible stress you must be dealing with. Talking to friends, talking to family, or simply being comfortable being alone if you’re one of the brave, selfless souls living separately from their loved ones so that they can support the elderly, the infirm, and the victims of this virus – do what you can to feel as comfortable as you can.

What about when I drink – my willpower slips, and I end up smoking?

When people feel pressurised to quit – or feel that they’ve “given up” something precious rather than “got rid of” something awful it requires willpower. The approach is, “I really want to carry on smoking, but I can’t. I’ve got to stop. I’ll tough it out for as long as I can”. It’s like hanging on for grim life. In those circumstances, a couple of drinks, loosens that grip and before long – we kid ourselves that, “just the one”, won’t hurt us. But genuinely, if you make a decision, that you’ve had enough of smoking, that you’re fed up of what it’s done to you, and you enjoy a fabulous sense of release when you quit – you can have as many drinks as you want and your view won’t change.

My partner smokes – will that make it harder?

Similarly, to my last point, those who feel they are sacrificing something when they quit tend to envy other people who continue to smoke. This is bad enough if you see people smoking in a movie – let alone when it’s your partner who refuses to quit – or simply can’t succeed. But as I’ve said, with the right frame of mind, one of finally having found freedom – your partner smoking won’t bother you – and you certainly won’t be tempted to join them.

It’s essential that you don’t hassle them or make them feel bad. Deep down inside they feel bad enough already. One of the greatest things about quitting with a positive frame of mind is that you can be supremely cool about friends or partners who continue to smoke. They’ll notice how calm and laid back and relaxed you are about having quit and it’ll inspire them, eventually, to follow your lead.

I’m worried about weight gain – is there a way to avoid it?

Weight gain is not inevitable and only normally occurs with those smokers who grit their teeth and try to battle the temptation to smoke rather than being happy to leave smoking behind them. If you don’t feel you’re missing out on anything – there is no compulsion to eat your way through bags of sweets or junk food. It’s often this aspect of quitting smoking, using stubborn resolve, that causes most of the weight gain – people tend to eat and drink more as a substitute for smoking.

Go for It!

If you want to quit smoking on your own – it’ll be my pleasure to provide you with some further advice and guidance, or answer your questions, over the coming weeks. If you’d like to use Allen Carr’s Easyway I’m delighted to highlight some options for you below (many of which are FREE).

ONLINE FREE: Audible allow new members a free book when they open an account. You’re under no obligation to make any subsequent purchases and they’ll allow you to have a free copy of ‘Allen Carr’s Quit Smoking Boot Camp’ audiobook. It’s delivered direct to your phone. I’d recommend this particular Allen Carr book as it tackles more contemporary issues than the original, ‘Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking’, which is also available for free to new members of Audible.

ONLINE FREE: Our Live Online Group Seminars (normal cost £299) are absolutely free for Vitality Health Insurance policyholders. The seminars are live and interactive and led by a Senior Allen Carr’s Easyway Therapist who will guide you through the process and all you need to “attend” is a laptop or tablet.

ONLINE HALF PRICE: If you’re not fortunate enough to have Vitality Health Insurance then you can enjoy a 50% discount if you attend one of our Live Online Group Seminars (normal price £299) in April or May (book quick because places are limited). Use code ASHWALES when booking. If you complete the programme and don’t quit smoking your fee is refunded in full.

ONLINE via EMAIL FREE: If you just quit smoking and need some support please do get in touch.We’re happy to provide free of charge advice to anyone in need of it regardless of whether they are using Allen Carr’s Easyway method or not.

ONLINE FULL PRICE: Our Online Video Programme is a highly effective 2.5 hour audio-visual programme that costs £149.

For more details of all the support listed above click here

Where to find the best stop smoking tips online in lockdown

WHEN you’ve been told to say at home but you want to quit smoking, one of the best ways to access smoking cessation advice is online.

It is more important than ever for you to give up the habit, with research showing that smokers are at greater risk if they develop Covid19.

And thanks to the wonderful world of technology, there’s no need for you to leave the comfort of your own home to access the support and advice you need.

To make the journey easier, we’ve come up with a list of where you can find  stop smoking advice at the click of a button:

https://www.helpmequit.wales

? If you’re a Welsh smoker there’s no better place to start than the Help Me Quit website. It offers comprehensive advice on all the different quit methods available and advice on where to access help in Wales. Currently it is offering support remotely to hundreds of smokers, via its Help Me Quit helpline and you can find out more about where to get help on the website.

Quit Smoking (Wales)

ASH Wales set up the Quit Smoking (Wales) Facebook group to provide smokers hoping to quit, ex-smokers and those currently quitting with access to an online community support group. It is Wales’ first quit smoking support group on Facebook and aims to provide a non-judgemental space where members give each other support and encouragement and share their quit stories.  To become a member visit:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/733935793649137/.

www.todayistheday.co.uk

Today is the Day was set up in response to the Covid-19 outbreak to encourage smokers to #QuitforCovid.  It includes a wealth of information about the increased risks to smokers from Covid-19 and the benefits of quitting.  There is also the opportunity to take part in a Twitter Quit Clinic from 7.30pm to 8.30 every day in which you’ll get the chance to pose your questions to smoking cessation expert Louise, by using the #QuitforCovid hashtag.

www.allencarr.com

The Allen Carr Easyway stop smoking method has helped millions of smokers across the world to quit.  Founded by Allen Carr, a former 100-a-day smoker, the method can be applied to a host of other addictions including gambling, alcohol and even caffeine. Visit the website to find out what is available including free support that is being offered during the Covid19 outbreak.

www.cancerresearchuk.org

The Cancer Research website includes plenty of information on the links between cancer and smoking and answers questions around quitting smoking and weight gain, the challenges of quitting and the risks of passive smoking.  It also includes handy links to other sources of online support

https://smokefree.gov/

This website is run by the US government and offers comprehensive advice on the benefits of quitting, how to manage cravings and on building a quit plan.  There are great tips on coping with stress and what to do if you slip up during your quit attempt.

www.blf.org.uk

British Lung Foundation offers advice on how to quit and case studies of those who have successfully stopped smoking. It is particularly helpful for those who suffer a lung condition as a result of their smoking and want more information about how quitting smoking will improve their health. Help and advice is also available from the British Lung Foundation helpline.

 

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Public Health Wales urges smokers to #QuitforCovid in wake of Covid-19 outbreak

Quitting smoking now could save your life – that’s the message to Wales’ 440,000 smokers from health chiefs as Covid-19 continues to spread.

Public Health Wales is urging smokers to quit the habit as a way of reducing the risks from Covid-19 as emerging evidence shows smokers are more likely to develop more serious lung illnesses compared to non-smokers.

Smokers are more at risk from Covid-19 because they have weakened lung defences as a result of smoking which damages the cells protecting their nose, upper and lower airways. They also have more regular hand-to-mouth contact, giving more chances for picking up the virus. Many also have existing lung conditions caused by smoking.

Those that quit smoking however, will boost their body’s natural defences within days and improve their body’s ability to fight the infection.

According to Public Health Wales, hundreds of smokers have contacted the NHS Help Me Quit helpline since the outbreak began and in response more telephone support advisors have been drafted in so smokers get the help they need.

Meanwhile, ASH Wales’ website has seen a 40% increase in visitors, mostly searching for online advice on how to quit.  Social media has also seen a spike in engagement with thousands of people reacting to the #QuitforCovid campaign.

Ashley Gould is Public Health Consultant at Public Health Wales. He said: “Seven in ten smokers in Wales say they would like to quit – there might never be a more important time than NOW to try harder than ever to quit.  Hundreds of smokers right across Wales are getting support right now, mainly over the phone, from NHS Help Me Quit experts, to help them reach their goal.

“We know that Covid-19 is mainly a respiratory disease and research on similar viruses shows tobacco smoke increases the risks of this type of infection, and how serious it can be.  One study of just over 1000 deaths from Covid-19 showed about 13% of current smokers died, needed intensive care or a ventilator compared with just 5% of non-smokers.

“It’s never too late to try to quit, and the NHS is ready to help you, today. One call to Help Me Quit on 0800 085 2219, or a visit to www.helpmequit.wales is all you need to get you started.”

Suzanne Cass, CEO of ASH Wales, said: “As Covid-19 continues to spread, the message to smokers is clear – quit this deadly addiction now.

“Support for those who do want to give up is just a phone call away, thanks to NHS Wales. Meanwhile ASH Wales will continue to provide quit smoking advice and support online.

“We know that giving up smoking can be incredibly tough but there really is no more important time to quit. The health benefits kick in within minutes of stubbing out that last cigarette and continue to grow with time.

“Smokers should also remember, that quitting will benefit not only them, but their loved ones too, as they will be protected from the harms of second-hand smoke.”

Joseph Carter is Head of Asthma UK & British Lung Foundation Wales. He said: “Everyone knows that smoking has a real negative impact on people’s lung health. Now, due to the spread of Covid-19, the need for people to kick the habit for good is all the more urgent.

“Quitting smoking is not easy, especially during times of stress or worry, but doing so can have such a transformative effect on your life and massively boost your body’s ability to fight respiratory conditions like Covid-19.

“So, my message to all smokers is this, please just give it a go. There is a lot of support available, including the Public Health Wales ‘Help Me Quit’ phoneline, and within weeks you’ll begin to see the positive benefits of quitting.”

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine examining disease characteristics among Chinese patients found that smokers are approximately 1.5 times as likely to progress to the severe stage of Covid-19 as those who have never smoked.