JUST IN: Smokers at higher risk of contacting COVID-19 - WHO
Afnews Editor
Mar 29, 2020
The World Health Organisation has said smokers and tobacco consumers have a high chance of contracting COVID-19.
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The United Nations' specialised body for global health also said asthmatic and diabetic patients are vulnerable to be infected with the virus.
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It said, "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 the virus from hand to mouth.
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"Smokers may also already have lung disease or reduced lung capacity which would greatly increase the risk of serious illness.
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"Smoking products such as water pipes often involve the sharing of mouthpieces and hoses, which could facilitate the transmission of COVID-19 in communal and social settings.
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"Conditions that increase oxygen needs or reduce the ability of the body to use it properly will put patients at higher risk of serious lung conditions such as pneumonia.
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"People with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
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"WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.ÔÇØ
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The novel virus has infected over 600,000 people with over 27,000 deaths.
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The statistics keep exploding hourly with Nigeria's cases hitting 97 as of 10:00am on Sunday, March 29.
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— Afnews Editor