For information on the coronovirus outbreak please go to the covid-19 page on NHS.UK or the information on gov.uk

COVID-19 and smoking

What you need to know

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust are urging smokers to quit, to reduce the risks of severe symptoms if they get COVID-19.

Health staff from the Trust are joining calls from Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer and the #QuitforCovid campaign, for people to stop smoking to help protect themselves and others.

Smoking tobacco damages the lungs, weakens the immune system and causes a range of severe respiratory problems. Evidence so far suggests people who smoke may be at increased risk of severe disease if they get COVID-19.

“This is a worrying time for all of us and we are all conscious of the need to protect ourselves, to protect others. Quitting smoking is a very good way to reduce the chances you’ll need to go to hospital. We are launching our Quit Together campaign as there has never been a more important time to quit smoking than right now. It is never too late to see health benefits of quitting smoking and you're never too old to quit.”

Dr Kate Wood, Medical Director, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust

Why now is the time to stop smoking

Reduce the risk of complications. Stopping smoking reduces the risks from complications from coronavirus, as well as improving your breathing and circulation. It also reduces the risks of other health problems such as heart attacks and strokes, which we know have a devastating on those effected by them.

Reduce depression, anxiety and stress. In the longer-term quitting is also linked to reduced depression, anxiety, and stress and improved positive mood and quality of life compared with continuing to smoke.

“We are getting calls every day now from smokers who are determined that they want to quit at this point in time. Even if you've tried before and didn't manage don't give up on quitting because you can do it. Many smokers try several times before they succeed, so getting the right support and using stop smoking aids to help ease the cravings is a good way of reducing the number of times it takes.”

Wayne Gould, Specialist Stop Smoking Practitioner, North East Lincolnshire Wellbeing Service

Support from family, friends, and health professionals can make a big difference for people who are quitting smoking. Read about the experiences of others who have become smokefree and how they did it.

Know that you’re not alone
Quit together

If you’re trying to quit, we’re here to help
Help available

If you do not feel able to quit right now there are other steps you can take
Protect others

Privacy Policy
Designed and built by Magpie