Chinese Medical Journal Study
A study from China published in the peer-reviewed Chinese Medical Journal found that the odds of a Covid-19 case becoming more severe -- and at the most extreme, leading to death -- were 14 times higher among people who had a history of smoking compared to those who did not smoke. The study also found those with a history of smoking had a 14% higher risk of developing pneumonia, which is a more severe development of the illness.
New England Journal of Medicine
One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February looked at 1,099 patients in China with COVID-19. This study showed that in a group of patients that either needed mechanical ventilation, admission to an intensive care unit, or ultimately died, 25.5% were current smokers.
While the world patiently waits for a vaccine to be created, smokers should be especially careful about respecting social isolation guidelines in order to keep themselves safe.