Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 11, 2021

Impact of Tobacco Smoking on the Risk of COVID-19

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A cross-sectional study of sailors on a navy aircraft carrier (n=1688, 87% male) found that current smoking status was associated with a lower risk of COVID-19 (OR = 0.59). 1279 (76%) crewmembers developed COVID-19 (62% RT-PCR positive, 14% with only clinical signs), and crewmembers >50 years old had an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 (OR = 2.84). The authors note that smoking should not be considered as efficient protection against the disease and further research is needed to understand the mechanism by which smokers may have lower risk of COVID-19. 

Paleiron et al. (Jan 9, 2021). Impact of Tobacco Smoking on the Risk of COVID-19. A Large Scale Retrospective Cohort Study. Nicotine & Tobacco Research.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33420786/