Lincoln – Dr. Gary Anthone, the state’s public health director, asked Nebraskans to quit smoking if they are concerned about COVID-19.

Anthone discussed the elevated risk that the coronavirus poses to smokers. He said quitting smoking could lower medical complications due to COVID-19.

“We all know how serious COVID-19 can be,” Anthone said. “It’s an even more serious threat for those who smoke tobacco or marijuana or who vape.”

Inhaling smoke – whether that’s tobacco, marijuana or vaping chemicals – causes inflammation in the lung airway passages, he said.

“When you add that effect to a viral load in the lungs, it can be devastating,” he said. “Studies show that stopping smoking for even two weeks can make a difference in your body’s ability to recover from surgery or fight an illness.”

For help and support in quitting smoking, call the Nebraska Quitline at 1-800-784-8669.

– Scott Stewart