Health experts say while the coronavirus pandemic is a threat to all individuals, there is evidence that smokers and e-cigarette users are at greater risks because these behaviors harm the lungs. Many in that group are teens and young adults. Matthew Myers is president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
"With all the attention on COVID-19, people aren't thinking about things like smoking or e-cigarette use, but there has never been a more important time for people to take of their lung health."
Myers says smoking increases the risk for respiratory infections, weakens the immune system and is a major cause of chronic health conditions. He says vaping is also troublesome.
"The recent generation of e-cigarettes delivers such powerful levels of nicotine that we're seeing kids addicted more rapidly and more intensely than we have in several decades."
He’d like to see changes made at the highest levels.
"First of all, we need to ban the sale of all of these flavored e-cigarettes. We should be working on policies to raise the prices of all of tobacco products. By raising the price, we know we can decrease use of them. Third is protection against second-hand smoke. It not only protects those around you, but it increases the likelihood that young people won't start."
Anyone interested in help quitting smoking can visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT NOW.
