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Coronaviruses

Smoking, Vaping, and Second-Hand Smoke May Increase COVID-19 Risk

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Smokers and individuals exposed to second-hand smoke may be more susceptible to the new coronavirus due to the increased activity of genes responsible for breaking into healthy cells. Research suggests that smoking can enhance the expression of a protein called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the lungs, making it easier for the virus to enter and infect cells. Furthermore, vaping has been found to significantly increase the risk of COVID-19 infection, particularly in young individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • A study led by Dr. Alen Faiz from the University of Technology Sydney found that smoking can increase the activity of genes responsible for building ACE2 in adult lungs, making it easier for the virus to infect cells.
  • Second-hand smoke exposure can also increase ACE2 expression in the airways of 1-year-old children, indicating a potential increased risk of infection.
  • The research team found higher levels of ACE2 genes in the nose compared to the lung airways, suggesting that the nose may be more easily infected.
  • A separate study warned that teens who vape are five times more likely to catch coronavirus, highlighting a significant risk associated with vaping.
  • The study's lead author, Dr. Shivani Mathur Gaiha, stated that vaping and e-cigarette use can lead to an elevated risk of COVID-19 infection, particularly among young individuals.
  • The increased expression of ACE2 genes does not necessarily mean that the severity of COVID-19 infection will be more severe, as the relationship between the two is still being studied.

Statistics:

  • 3 cigarettes can increase the activity of genes related to building ACE2 in adult lungs.
  • ACE2 levels were lower in people who had stopped smoking for more than a month.
  • 1-year-old children exposed to second-hand smoke had increased ACE2 expression in their airways.
  • Teens who vape are 5 times more likely to catch coronavirus.
  • The study has not yet been certified by peer review, but has been posted as a preprint on medRxiv.

Sources:

  • "Why vaping could be more dangerous for your health than cigarettes" - The Independent
  • "Smokers may be more susceptible to coronavirus due to increased expression of protein that helps virus enter cells, study finds" - The Conversation
  • medRxiv study report: "Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein affects SARS-CoV-2 host cellular vulnerability"

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