The authors identified 19 peer-reviewed papers (16 from China, 1 from Korea, and 2 from U.S.) published before April 28, 2020 on COVID-19 patients with data on smoking behavior. The analysis consisted of 11,590 COVID-19 patients, 731 (6.3%) with a history of smoking. Among the patients with a history of smoking, 29.8% experienced COVID-19 progression, compared to 17.6% non-smoking patients who experienced disease progression (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.42-2.59). 
*"There was moderate heterogeneity among the studies (I2=38%, p=.048) and no significant evidence of publication bias (Harbord’s p=.813, Peters’ p=.941)."

Smoking Is Associated With COVID-19 Progression: A Meta-analysis

Researchers from Stanford University conducted a cross-sectional survey online of U.S. adolescents (13-24 years old) to assess if e-cigarette and cigarette usage increases the risk of being infected with COVID-19.  There were 4,351 respondents to the survey.  It was found that past 30 day dual users (use both e-cigarettes and cigarettes only within the last 30 days) were 6.8 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19.  Ever users of e-cigarettes (use only e-cigarettes) were five times more likely to test positive for COVID-19, while ever dual users (use both e-cigarettes and cigarettes) were seven times more likely to test positive for COVID-19.  


E-cigarette users and dual users are most likely at higher risk for being infected with COVID-19 because being exposed to nicotine and other chemicals within e-cigarettes has a negative effect on respiratory health, specifically on proper lung functioning.  Additionally, the act of sharing e-cigarette devices is common among adolescent e-cigarette users, serving as a potential pathway of infection from one individual to another.  Considering that e-cigarette usage is very widespread in the U.S., especially among adolescents, it can be concluded that adolescent e-cigarette usage is further exacerbating the COVID-19 pandemic.  

E-Cigarette and Cigarette Use is Associated with a Higher Risk of COVID-19

Nicotine use—via both combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes—is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. A meta-analysis found that a history of smoking is associated with greater COVID-19 disease progression, and a cross-sectional survey of U.S. adolescents found that e-cigarette and cigarette use is associated with a higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19.

Michigan State University

Google

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Substance Use Issues Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic by Substance

Opioid Substance Use Issues Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nicotine Substance Use Issues Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were significant concerns regarding elevated alcohol consumption among the general public. Driven by increased psychological distress and social isolation, this rise in alcohol use carried severe risks, including acute consequences like alcohol poisoning and long-term issues such as the development or exacerbation of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Learn Before

Related

Learn After