By STU JOHNSON
CREDIT WZZM13.COM
A tobacco treatment specialist says it’s been known for years how smoking can make lungs more susceptible to infection. Coronavirus is creating additional health concerns.
University of Kentucky Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing Audrey Darville says smoking causes damage to the lung’s natural defense. And Darville said a weakening of the immune system can occur. She noted some research has focused on COVID-19 and smoking. “What they found when they looked at 19 studies of patients with COVID-19, that a history of smoking was associated with close to a two fold increase in serious disease progression,” said Darville.
Darville said one of the recommendations for preventing coronavirus infection is to avoid touching the face. The tobacco treatment specialist noted a pack a day smoker may bring his or her hand to the mouth 300 times a day.
Fayette Health Department Spokesman Kevin Hall said there’s been no noticeable bump in smoking cessation interest.
While the statewide percentage of adult smokers in Kentucky hovers around 23%, Darville added some counties see smokers making up 40% of the community. On average, she said only about four percent of smokers succeed going cold turkey and abruptly quitting. Darville noted advice can be found at quit-now-Kentucky dot org.
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