Cigarettes, Are They Harmful or Viricidal (Anti-COVID-19)? Why Some Smokers Are Severely Affected By SARS-Cov-2, Whilst Most Are Not Or Less Affected? A Controversial Minireview

Abstract

COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) caused by novel Corona virus (nCov 2019) virus which was named later as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is a global pandemic. As of 20 October 2020, more than 40 million people have been infected and more than 1.1 million deaths have been reported from COVID-19 worldwide. No evidence-based cure for infection and it is generally recommended to avoid transmission by social distancing, isolation and hygiene steps. In cultures around the world, cigarette smoking is rampant, and tobacco addiction leads to the deaths in more than 8 million people per year. Tobacco smokers are considered a low risk of serious COVID-19 infection due to unknown reasons. However, cross-infection and susceptible hygiene habits helped COVID-19 to cause deaths more than regular infection, as COVID-19 transmits by salivary droplets that lead to extreme lung pneumonia. Exhaled smoke, coughing or sneezing is created by smoking tobacco (cigarettes, e-cigarettes or waterpipe), aerosols usually containing SARS-CoV-2 in the air lead to contaminating different surfaces. Smoking is extremely controversial with regards to COVID-19 infection because most smokers are COVID-19 resistant, and others are susceptible.