More evidence is revealed confirming that smokers could be protected from the deadly coronavirus after researchers found a lesser number of them getting sick.
According to their study, 5% of 441 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were active smokers, which scientists described as a "very low" number, given that 24% of the Italian population is known to be hooked in cigarettes.
The theory that smokers are protected from the virus has emerged over the past few weeks from several global studies. However, smokers are twice more likely to succumb to the disease once they are hospitalized.
Sientists are struggling to knock down mounting evidence that suggests an apparent "weird" protective effect from cigarettes. Just two weeks ago, a study by the University College London found a 'lower than expected' rate of smokers among COVID-19 patients.
Lesser Smokers are Infected
Dr. Nicola Gaibazzi led the study that looked at patients hospitalized at Parma, Northern Italy. This means that the research involves patients who have a severe case of COVID-19 requiring intensive medical attention.
MailOnline reported that the researchers found only 21 patients or about 4.8% were active smokers out of the 441 patients, which seems disproportionate given that almost a quarter of the Italian population was hooked to the habit.
Meanwhile, non-smokers made up 85% of the hospitalized coronavirus patients, 6% smokers, and 9% former smokers. Out of the Italian patients, which had an average age of 71, 35% of them died, while men and those with heart disease are most at risk.
Although it seems that smokers are protected from the virus, active smokers have a 50/50 chance of survival once they are hospitalized, with 47% of those admitted died compared to only a third of non-smokers dying due to coronavirus.
Underlying mechanisms of how smokers are protected from the virus is not yet clear, but a theory suggests that nicotine reduces ACE-2 receptors, which means that their immune system is more 'tolerant' and does not overreact.
On the other hand, non-smokers may be more prone to 'cytokine storm' or the sudden and deadly release of inflammatory markers once infected by the virus. Doctors have previously noted that it is usually the body's response rather than the virus itself that plays a significant role in how sick a person gets.
Smokers are Protected in Some Way
In theory, smokers are at a heightened risk of infection because the tiny hairs in the nose and lungs, which help move pathogens and mucus away, are often damaged due to the chemicals released by the cigarette when smoking.
However, a study found that smokers are protected from the infection. Researchers from University College London conducted 28 researchers. They found that smokers are more likely to be tested compared to non-smokers because of the symptoms they feel, such as cough.
Coronavirus enters the body via ACE-2 receptors, which coats the surface of some cells, including those in the airways and the lungs. Some evidence suggests that smokers have a higher number of ACE-2 receptors, which could put them at a higher risk of catching the disease.
However, since coronavirus depletes the number of ACE-2, it may have a reverse effect on smokers, which prevents them from harming the lungs. Other studies also show that nicotine reduces the action of the ACE-2 receptor making smokers less likely to contract the disease.
Nonetheless, health officials are warning people to quit the habit of smoking despite limited studies relating to smoking to coronavirus.
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