Tobacco users, smokers at higher risk
The risk of smokers contracting Covid-19 is two times higher than non-smokers, said Prof Dr Nasima Sultana, additional director general (administration) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
She said this yesterday at the regular online briefing on the coronavirus pandemic and suggested that people refrain from using tobacco.
"Tobacco damages the lungs and creates breathing complications. The risk of contracting the diseases becomes twice as high," she said.
Quit smoking and remain healthy, she suggested.
According to WHO, Covid-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. Since smoking impairs lung function, it is harder for the body to fight off coronavirus.
It further said that tobacco is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes.
A review of studies by public health experts, convened by WHO, on April 29, found that smokers were more likely to develop severe diseases with Covid-19 compared to non-smokers.
According to the estimation by World Bank last June, around 4.6 crore people in the country are users of tobacco products.
In a statement issued on May 11, WHO urged researchers, scientists and the media to be cautious about amplifying unproven claims that tobacco or nicotine could reduce the risk of Covid-19.
"There is currently insufficient information to confirm any link between tobacco or nicotine in the prevention or treatment of Covid-19," it read.
Meanwhile, there is no data on whether people have reduced smoking during the ongoing shutdown.
Speaking to this correspondent, Jasim Uddin, a motor parts trader, said he is suffering from stress due to the prolonged shutdown and the ceasing of economic activities. "To reduce stress, I now smoke more [than I used to]," he said.
On the other hand, Hasibur Rahman, a private bank official, said it has become difficult for him to smoke now since he has to pass most of his time with his family. "Earlier, I used to smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day. Now, the number dropped to two," he said.
Both of them, however, said they knew of the risks of smoking associated with Covid-19, adding that it is difficult for them to quit right away.
WHO encouraged nicotine-replacement therapies, such as gum and patches designed to help smokers quit tobacco.
Within 20 minutes of quitting, heart rate is elevated and blood pressure drops. After 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the bloodstream drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, circulation improves and lung function increases. After one to nine months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease, it said.
Meanwhile, a total of 1,251 more people were infected with Covid-19 in 24 hours since Monday morning. With this, the number of positive cases stands at 25,121, according to the DGHS.
During this period, 21 people died of the infection, said Dr Nasima of the DGHS.
The death toll has now risen to 370, she said, adding that 408 more people have recovered from the infection and the total number of recoveries so far is 4,993.
Till yesterday, a total of 1,93,645 samples were tested for Covid-19.
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