Smoking and COVID-19

What is the link between tobacco use and COVID-19?

People who smoke are at higher risk of respiratory infections and there is growing evidence that this includes coronavirus (COVID-19). The evidence also suggests that people who smoke are more likely to be severely impacted by COVID-19, because of pre-existing damage to their lungs. In addition, people who smoke are more likely to have other health conditions (such as cancer), and more likely to experience severe COVID-19 complications.

There is an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission among people who smoke because of:

  • the frequent hand-to-mouth action of smoking,
  • the sharing of cigarettes,
  • people smoking together (in close proximity) in a shared location, and
  • the use of another person’s disposed cigarette butt.

Given the need for physical distancing, people may not be able to smoke as frequently, or at all. Without being able to use tobacco, people who smoke will experience symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It is therefore important to ensure they have access to information and support to treat their withdrawal symptoms

Why are people who access community services potentially at higher risk?

People who access community services may be unable to adhere to Government advice around COVID-19 (e.g. experiencing homelessness, living in overcrowded housing, limited access to running water and hand sanitiser). These groups also have higher rates of smoking than the general population making them more vulnerable to infections. In times of high stress and anxiety, people who are ex-smokers may relapse back to smoking.

What information should community services provide to clients who smoke?

The good news is there is a lot you can do to support the health and wellbeing of clients who smoke during this time. Regardless of COVID-19, quitting smoking reaps large health and financial benefits. Community services like yours can help reduce the chances of COVID-19 spreading by having brief conversations about smoking cessation with clients.

Community services should consider informing their clients of the following:

Health and wellbeing for clients who smoke

  • Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to protect your health and it will also protect the health of others.
  • I can refer you to Quitline (13 7848) for free support.
  • Nicotine replacement therapy is available through your local GP and pharmacy.
  • Call ahead to your GP or health professional, as you may be able to receive help over the phone, reducing your risk of exposure to the virus.
  • Do not smoke within at least 1.5 metres of another person.
  • Do not pick up bumpers/cigarette butts from the ground.
  • Do not share cigarettes with other people.

Community service policy and environment

  • Remind clients that according to the tobacco policy smoking is not allowed on site or only allowed in designated smoking area/s.
  • Remind clients that to protect the health of others, the law states that smoking is not allowed within four metres of the front entrance to a public building.
  • Empty butt bins at the service regularly to decrease the opportunity for clients to smoke used cigarette butts.
  • Provide or suggest alternative activities (e.g. movies, books, puzzles) for clients to distract them from thinking about smoking during isolation.
  • Ensure smoking cessation resources are easily accessible to clients.
  • Reduce barriers to access nicotine replacement therapy by providing vouchers or subsidies from a local pharmacy, hospital or other arrangement.

What is the advice on using carbon monoxide (CO) monitors (smokerlyzers)?

Due to the risk of infection transmission, use of CO monitors must stop. If services use personal CO monitors (that can be connected up to a person’s mobile phone), these may still be used however guidance should be provided on additional measures to reduce infection to the individual and anyone else they are living with.

What is the link between e-cigarette use and COVID-19?

There is some evidence to suggest use of e-cigarettes damages lungs and could reduce immune system response making a person more vulnerable to respiratory infections. E-cigarette use may also increase risk to COVID-19 due to ‘hand-to-mouth’ action, and exposure to aerosol exhaled by a user that is infected.

Where can community services get information and support to help clients quit?

For any questions, contact Cancer Council NSW’s Tackling Tobacco team on 02 9334 1730 or tacklingtobacco@nswcc.org.au

To access training and resources for community services, visit Cancer Council NSW Tackling Tobacco training page.

Quitline (13 78 48) can provide community services’ clients with personalised, non-judgmental and empathetic support and information to quit. The service is available Mon – Fri 7am to 10:30pm, and Sat, Sun and Public holidays from 9am to 5pm. For more information visit the iCanQuit website.

What is the Government/expert advice?

Go to the Department of Health’s website for further information and advice from the Government.

Please note: As the situation around the COVID-19 pandemic changes, additional recommendations will need to be made to support those that smoke.