COVID-19: "Shisha, Tobacco Smokers Risk Contracting Coronavirus" - WHO Warns

WHO has advised people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus.

COVID-19: "Shisha, Tobacco Smokers Risk Contracting Coronavirus" - WHO Warns
Smokers

The World Health Organization has warned that smokers, especially tobacco and Shisha consumers, are at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. 

The Global Health body also noted that asthmatic and diabetic patients are vulnerable to be infected with the virus.

According to a new statement on the official website of the organization, emphasis was placed on people who consume shisha and tobacco.

The statement reads: “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.

 

READ ALSO:

Prince Charles tests Positive for Coronavirus

 

“Smokers may also already have lung disease or reduced lung capacity which would greatly increase the risk of serious illness.

“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.

“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.

“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.

 

 

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.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has risen to 111 as at Sunday night.  

Most states of the federation have now declared total lockdown as part of efforts to reduce the spread of the virus in the country.