​Study focus: As of March 26, California ranks third in the nation for confirmed COVID-19 cases following Washington and New York. Of the confirmed 4,943 cases and 81 deaths in California, 282 have been diagnosed across the 11 counties in the Central Valley and the Foothills. There is emerging evidence that smokers, former smokers, and children and adults exposed to chronic secondhand smoke are also vulnerable to COVID-19. This report briefly summarizes the emerging literature on COVID-19 and tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure.

Population focus: Smokers, former smokers, and people exposed to chronic secondhand smoke, with additional attention to the health status of residents in California's Central Valley.

Outcomes studied: Authors discuss the potential effects COVID-19 may have on people with primary and secondary tobacco exposure, especially those with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma and other respiratory problems. Among sources cited in the brief is 2018 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) smoking rates for Central California counties (Calaveras, Fresno, Kern, King, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne). Also referenced is 2013-14 CHIS data from a Center study, Prediabetes in California: Nearly Half of California Adults on Path to Diabetes.

Findings: Even without a chronic disease diagnosis, it is reasonable to conclude that three distinct mechanisms — suppressing the immune system, increasing susceptibility, and increasing the likelihood that the illness will progress to the most extreme stages — place current and former smokers at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing severe outcomes.

Read the Publication:

• External Report: Tobacco Control is a Critical Component to COVID-19 Management