COVID-19 - smoking and vaping

People who smoke are generally at higher risk of lung and chest infections. Use of e-cigarettes (vaping) may also damage the lungs, but more research is needed to determine its long term effects.

It’s not clear how long a person needs to stop smoking to reduce their risk from infections, however the lungs start to recover quickly after stopping smoking.

Stopping smoking has many health benefits, so it’s always a good time to quit. During this pandemic and in the annual flu (influenza) season, quitting has never been more important.

Are people who smoke or vape at higher risk of getting COVID-19?

People who smoke are not at higher risk of getting COVID-19.

It’s not yet known whether vaping (using e-cigarettes) affects the risk of getting COVID-19.

Smoking increases the risk of catching other lung diseases such as pneumonia and influenza.

Are people who smoke or vape more likely to have a worse illness if they get COVID-19?

People who smoke have an increased risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19. They could have a worse cough or fever, or be more likely to need to go to hospital.

It is not known whether vaping (using e-cigarettes) increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Researchers don’t yet know how smoking is making COVID-19 disease worse. But they do know that:

• Smoking causes damage and inflammation in the lungs, so that they don’t work as well.
• Lungs naturally produce mucus. But people who smoke have more and thicker mucus that is hard to clean out of the lungs.
• Smoking and vaping affect the immune system, which may make it harder to fight infections.

What to do if you smoke or vape

The best thing you can do is quit. Your GP, Quitline counsellors and nicotine replacement therapy or prescribed stop-smoking tablets can help you quit.

However, if you do smoke:

• Don’t share cigarettes or roll a cigarette for someone else.
• Don’t share vaping devices.
• Don’t share cigars, pipes or waterpipes.
• Don’t smoke or vape in groups where social distancing is not possible.
• Pay extra attention to the latest COVID-19 advice – wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, cough into your elbow, try to avoid touching your face, and maintain physical distance from others.
• Get your flu shot.

Am I more at risk of COVID-19 if I used to smoke or vape?

People who used to smoke are at higher risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19.

It’s not known whether people who used to vape are at higher risk of COVID-19 disease.

Starting and using stop-smoking medications

For people who smoke, prescribed stop-smoking tablets or nicotine replacement therapy (like patches, gum, lozenge or spray) can help to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. When combined with tailored support from Quitline, these medications give people the best chance of successfully quitting.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 affects the safety and effectiveness of these medications. If you are already using these medications, it is safe to continue to do so, as instructed by your doctor.

If you are thinking about starting these medications, it is best to first speak with a Quitline counsellor (13 78 48) or your doctor.

Difference between nicotine withdrawal and COVID-19 symptoms

People who have recently stopped smoking may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, irritability and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are usually temporary and disappear after about 2 to 4 weeks.

Less common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal might include a cough and sore throat, which are usually temporary.

Withdrawal symptoms may be confused with the symptoms of COVID-19. Remember, fever is not a symptom of nicotine withdrawal.

Speak to your doctor if you are worried you may have COVID-19. Or if you live in Victoria, find out how you can get tested.

Quit has more information about common nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Finding support to stop smoking and vaping

For your best chance of stopping smoking, talk with Quitline (call 13 78 48) and use stop-smoking medications.

Your doctor or pharmacist can talk to you about which stop-smoking medications would suit you best. These include prescribed stop-smoking tablets or nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches and gum, lozenge or mouth-spray). Some of these medications are cheaper with a script from your doctor, including stop-smoking tablets, and nicotine patches, lozenges or gum. You can use a nicotine patch along with gum, lozenge or spray.

Quitline

The Quitline is a free telephone support service that works with you to help you stop smoking or vaping. Your Quitline counsellor cares about your story and does not judge. They are trained to listen carefully and give support suited to your needs. They can help you before and after you stop smoking or vaping. They can also talk to you about the different types of stop-smoking medications. Your call is private and confidential.

Quitline is an inclusive and culturally safe space for all, including the LGBTIQA+ community. An interpreter service is available for people who speak a language other than English.

There is also an Aboriginal Quitline for people who smoke and identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Simply call 13 78 48 and ask to speak with one of their qualified Aboriginal Quitline counsellors.

Quit has information, tips and tools to help you wherever you are at with your smoking or vaping. They can help you work on your habits and triggers for smoking or vaping, as well as your addiction to nicotine.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Quitline Tel. 13 78 48
• Your pharmacist
• National Coronavirus Hotline Tel. 1800 020 080