A new study from China shows smokers with COVID-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease.

Public Health Wales has issued a warning to highlight the increased risks of severe respiratory disease from COVID-19 for smokers (https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-warns-smokers-emerging-evidence-shows-greater-risk-of-severe-respiratory-disease-from-covid-19/).

Smoking tobacco is known to damage the lungs and airways, causing a range of severe respiratory problems. The evidence clearly shows COVID-19 virus attacks the respiratory system, which explains why smokers are at greater risk.

·Emerging evidence shows smokers have a greater risk of severe respiratory disease from COVID-19.

·If you smoke, you are not only putting yourself at greater risk of developing severe disease from the COVID-19 virus, but those around you exposed to second-hand smoke, including children, are also put at increased risk.

·In addition, the repetitive hand-to-mouth movement of smoking provides an easy route for the virus to enter the body.

·There has never been a more important time to stop smoking. Not only for your own health but to protect those around you.

·Smokers can get NHS expert stop smoking advice and support over the phone, plus free medication, from Help Me Quit. Search ‘Help Me Quit’ or call 0800 085 2219.