People have been confined to their homes. Many of our benchmarks and our habits are upset. Among these habits, smoking can become a real challenge in this period, between family promiscuity and stress due to health or work. So how do smokers deal with confinement? The reflex to smoke a cigarette after a meal or in the morning with coffee? Many of you are also concerned about the effects of tobacco on your health and the possibility of catching the virus. Am I more exposed? Am I more at risk of getting sick? What can I do to protect myself?
Smokers: 4 Factors To Consider When Dealing With Covid-19
To be able to answer these questions, you must be clear about your smoking habits. We will not lie to each other; smoking is not suitable for your health, it might be time to reduce or stop! However, don’t panic; here are 4 factors in assessing to determine the impact on your health:
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Factor # 1: Are You In Good Health Now?
This is the central point. Beyond your smoking habits, being in good health with a sound immune system is a considerable asset not getting sick or suffering the coronavirus in “big flu” mode . Not having a chronic disease, diabetes, kidney failure is a great start. Continue to take care of yourself if everything is fine and be more vigilant with cigarettes if you are somewhat fragile.
Factor # 2: How Many Cigarettes Do You Smoke Per Day?
Cigarette smoke contains many enzymes and substances that impact your immune system. Your tobacco consumption is correlated with the weakening of your body. Beyond 5 cigarettes a day, depending on the type of tobacco, more or less intensely you smoke, you irritate your throat, windpipe, and lungs. You, therefore, increase the risk of exposure to the virus. Let’s go further depending on your cigarette addiction profile!
- You are an occasional smoker: you can keep your little pleasure while remaining vigilant.
- You are a regular smoker with negligible consumption: no risk in prospect, but take care of yourself. Pay attention to your health and if it’s okay for you, try to do without it! (Also read our article on how to quit smoking without gaining weight )
- You are a regular smoker with heavy consumption: Be vigilant. If you are prone to colds, chronic bronchitis, tonsillitis, it is clear that you have a risk area. Take the opportunity to reduce your consumption, or why not switch to electronic cigarettes, which could be an excellent compromise. You can choose from different kinds of electronic cigarettes. The main thing that matters is the quality of the liquid in the vape.
Factor # 3: How Do You Take Care Of Your Health?
This is undoubtedly a significant key to well-being and good health. To have a balance in our consumption of food, alcohol, tobacco, etc. Of course, a diet of green vegetables could do you the best. However, we are emphasizing 2 points today:
- Sport: Do you participate in sports or physical activity such as running or walking regularly? It can help keep you slim too! We often underestimate physical activity and its benefits on our morale, health, and even sexuality.
- Stress: How do you usually deal with stress? In the event of a hard blow, switch to the electronic vaping device or the chocolate bar! Don’t pounce on your pack of cigarettes. More seriously, it might be an opportunity for you to try a few things new, like meditation, painting, cooking, playing, singing! To find your imagination to reduce your stress and indulge yourself!
Factor # 4: How Long Have You Been A Smoker?
Usual smokers for more than 15 or 20 years are more exposed. The longer you usually smoke, the more clogged your lungs. COVID-19 is particularly aggressive at the level of this respiratory organ because it causes a degradation of the alveolar tissues, which allow the delivery of oxygen in the blood. This is how respiratory failure can bring a person to the emergency resuscitation department.
Understanding How You Get COVID-19
The most determining factor is the contact of the hands and the micro-droplets of saliva when speaking. Hence the importance of staying away from other people. The lifespan of the virus in a hand-litter is 96 hours, but the virus loses its “virulence.”
Symptoms Of Coronavirus:
- The main symptoms are fever or a feeling of fever and cough.
- Sudden loss of smell without nasal obstruction and complete disappearance of taste are also symptoms that have been observed in patients.
- There are breathing difficulties in people developing more severe forms, leading to hospitalization in intensive care and death.
What To Do In Case Of Symptoms?
If you think you have been exposed to the COVID-19 coronavirus and you think you have the symptoms mentioned above, here are the right things to do:
- stay at home, avoid contact,
- Call a doctor or the hotline number in your area. Do not go directly to the office, laboratory, or emergency room. You can benefit from teleconsultation.
- If the symptoms worsen with breathing difficulties, call the Health care-Center.
Reminders Of Barrier Gestures
Here are some simple things we can all do to protect ourselves and limit the spread of the virus:
- Wash your hands very regularly, several times a day.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
- Use disposable tissue and throw it away immediately.
- Greet each other without shaking hands, avoid hugs and kisses!
- Respect a recommended social distance (at least 1 m).
We must all be responsible for these good behaviors.
Conclusion: Is It Dangerous To Smoke During This COVID-19 Pandemic?
In the current context of confinement linked to the coronavirus epidemic, it is legitimate to worry and be more stressed than usual. It is perfectly human and understandable. Whether you are a smoker or not, our advice is to be hopeful. Fear or pessimism won’t help you. The majority of sick people recover from COVID-19. Please note, this does not take away the responsibility of handling the situation very seriously. Tobacco is undoubtedly a potentially aggravating factor, but be responsible and lucid! You can protect yourself and get through this crisis. Take care of yourself!
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