There has never been a more important time to quit smoking than right now.
Evidence so far suggests people who smoke may be at increased risk of severe disease if they get COVID-19.
Smoking tobacco damages the lungs, weakens the immune system and causes a range of severe respiratory problems. If you smoke, you're less protected against the virus and at greater risk of:
- acute respiratory infections
- infections lasting longer
- infections being more serious than they would be for someone who does not smoke.
In fact, evidence tells us that smokers who get COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to suffer from a serious respiratory infection than non-smokers.
It’s never too late to stop
It is never too late to see health benefits of stopping smoking and you're never too old to quit. If you smoke at home because of the lockdown, quitting will protect your family from the proven risks of harm that passive smoking causes.
Even if you've tried before and didn't manage, don't give up on quitting because you can do it. Many smokers try several times before they succeed, but getting the right support and using stop smoking aids to help ease the cravings gives you a much better chance of success.
Get support to quit smoking
The council’s Health Trainers are continuing to offer behavioural support to smokers (including pregnant smokers) through telephone sessions and medication to help you quit will continue to be available.
To make a referral for yourself or someone else, please complete our online referral form. We aim to respond to all general enquiries within three working days and all referral enquiries within 10 working days.
Further advice
If you need to talk to us sooner or would like to discuss the service with the Healthy Lifestyles Team, please call us on 01273 294589.
You can also follow the Healthy Lifestyles team on Facebook and Twitter.
Get further inspiration and resources to help you quit smoking from Today is the Day.