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More than 300,000 in the UK may have quit smoking during the coronavirus crisis as evidence increases that the habit makes them more vulnerable to Covid-19, a survey suggests.
Another 550,000 have tried to quit smoking, while 2.4 million have decreased, according to the joint study by YouGov and the campaign group Action on Smoking and Health (Ash).
The survey of 1,004 people suggested that 2% of smokers had stopped smoking due to concerns about the coronavirus; 8% were trying to quit smoking; 36% had reduced; and 27% were now more likely to quit smoking.
A quarter of former smokers said they were less likely to smoke again, although 4% said the pandemic had made them more likely to relapse.
The survey results were well received by various anti-smoking and health organizations in a statement released by the #QuitforCOVID Twitter campaign.
Dr. Nick Hopkinson, President of Ash, who is also a respiratory specialist at Imperial College London, said: “Smoking damages the immune system and our ability to fight infection. Evidence is mounting that smoking is associated with poorer outcomes for those admitted to the hospital with Covid-19.
“Quitting smoking also quickly reduces other people’s risk of other health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. Those are bad whenever they happen, so preventing them is an end in itself and especially important at a time like now, when everyone wants to stay out of the hospital. “
Ruth Tennant, tobacco leader for the Association of Public Health Directors, said: “There are many reasons to quit smoking, but it is never a more important time than at this time during the coronavirus pandemic.”
The founder of the #QuitforCOVID campaign urged more people to quit smoking during the pandemic and beyond.
“Quitting smoking is still the most important thing people can do to improve their overall health,” said Dr. Charlie Kenward, Bristol GP. “It will improve heart and lung health, as well as reduce the chances of developing cancer and even improve wound healing after surgery.” There has never been a better time to quit smoking. ”
Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the community welfare board of the Local Government Association, said: “The councils can help the government achieve its ambition to eliminate smoking in England by 2030, through its tobacco control and other services. public health and support, but they need assurance about their long-term funding to help do it. “
