Smokers in SC urged to quit now to improve chances of surviving coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic is the ideal time to quit smoking.
That’s what South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) officials said Wednesday.
Smokers who kick the habit will improve their immune systems. This is an important time to be as healthy as possible, DHEC said in a news release.
Research shows smokers are susceptible to experiencing more severe complications of COVID-19, according to the release.
“The immune system is the body’s way of protecting us from infections and disease, so it’s critical to keep it functioning at its best right now,” DHEC’s Director of the Bureau of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Dr. Virginie Daguise said in the release. “Smoking harms the immune system. ... Recent findings from the CDC show that smoking can increase the risk for more severe illness from COVID-19.”
Smoking inflames the lungs, and even one or two cigarettes can cause irritation or coughing, according to DHEC.
“When you quit smoking the inflammation in the airways begins to go down and your lungs can start the recovery process,” it said in the release.
Smoke can exacerbate the symptoms of coronavirus patients, and also can trigger underlying respiratory issues in unaffected individuals, which could result in symptoms similar to those caused by COVID-19.
“For infected individuals, breathing smoke could make coronavirus symptoms worse, increasing the risk of hospitalization or death,” DHEC Physician Consultant Dr. Brannon Traxler said in a news release. “It could also cause people who have not contracted the coronavirus, but who are presenting COVID-19-like symptoms, to seek medical care at a time when medical resources are already stretched thin.”
DHEC is offering to help smokers end their addiction, even during the coronavirus pandemic when resources are stretched thin.
DHEC’s South Carolina Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) provides free one-on-one telephone coaching and web-based and text message support 24 hours, seven days a week to help tobacco users quit, it said in the release. The Quitline can help individuals develop personalized quit plans, and free nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum and lozenges are available to callers.
These smoking cessation services can be accessed by phone or online, allowing South Carolina residents to safely remain home during the pandemic while accessing these services, according to the release.
“Most smokers want to quit, and our goal is to provide free help in a way that best meets their needs,” Daguise said. “The minute you quit smoking you improve your body’s ability to heal itself.”
Smoking qualifies as an underlying medical condition, and people with those issues, along with patients 65-and-older, are at higher risk for getting seriously ill from the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
On Tuesday, 187 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 2,417 confirmed COVID-19 cases in all 46 counties, according to DHEC.
DHEC also announced that three more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus, raising that total to 51 in a month. State health officials described 49 of the people as elderly, two patients were middle-aged, and all but four had underlying medical conditions.
“There is currently no cure or vaccine,” the South Carolina Emergency Management Division said.
Symptoms of coronavirus can include a fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. Among the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 is trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and blueish lips or face, the CDC said.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
The best way to prevent infection is to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC. DHEC also recommends covering your cough, staying home when sick, and disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.
Free online screenings also can be accessed by all South Carolina residents, by going to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Prisma Health is also offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have coronavirus, The State reported. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said.
As of Wednesday morning, 1,446,557 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 83,149 people have died, while 307,982 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States leads the world with 399,929 people who have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 12,911 deaths have been reported, including 4,009 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
Ways to strengthen the immune system
In addition to quitting smoking, there are other recommendations for improving personal health, which includes:
- Getting proper sleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Reducing stress
- Being physically active
- Eating fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol
SOURCE: DHEC
