Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Smoking increases risk of severe illness from COVID-19: Dr. Hinshaw

Apr 16, 2020 | 3:56 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta released its latest report on COVID-19 infections in the province.

162 cases of the virus were announced by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, bringing the total to 2,158.

2,779 tests were completed in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Hinshaw confirmed another two deaths as a result of COVID-19. One patient was a man in his 70’s from the Calgary Health Zone and the other was a woman in her 60’s in the North Health Zone.

The province reported a data outage at the ministry Wednesday that was preventing many specific numbers from being released publicly. This continues to be the case today, but Dr. Hinshaw hopes to be able to resume reporting on health regions Friday.

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She says many people have asked her about the impacts smoking, vaping, and drinking could have on a person’s ability to contract and fight the virus.

“Smoking and e-cigarettes can expose the lungs to toxic chemicals. It’s not yet clear if these exposures increases the risk of catching COVID-19; however, they increase the risk of severe illness for those who get infected. There’s growing evidence to suggest quitting smoking or vaping, even temporarily can have positive outcomes in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.”

Dr. Hinshaw adds that this is the case for any lung infection and coronavirus mainly affects the lungs.

When smoking, you are also touching your mouth and lips, making it easier for a person to transmit bacteria from their hands.

“Given all these factors, I strongly recommend that anyone who smokes or vapes takes steps to quit or cut down during this pandemic.”

She recommended that those who are trying to quit smoking can go to AlbertaQuits.ca for support.

Dr. Hinshaw also recommended that people cut down on drinking alcohol.

“Alcohol consumption can make many things worse including health issues, risk-taking behaviours, mental health, and violence.”

She advised limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for women and three drinks per day for men.

Dr. Hinshaw also stated that Alberta has not yet seen the peak of COVID-19.

“It is likely that we will continue to see occasional cases in every part of Alberta, including in some healthcare settings.”

The most recent number for COVID-19 infections in different health zones was provided Tuesday and are as follows:

• Calgary zone – 1,242 cases (33 deaths, one new)
  • 34,157 tests
• Edmonton zone – 402 cases (eight deaths, one new)
  • 26,339 tests
• North zone – 107 cases (six deaths)
  • 6,498 tests
• Central zone – 74 cases (one death)
  • 7,348 tests
• South zone – 36 cases (zero deaths)
  • 3,995 tests

Again, we have not had any updates for infections in the South Health Zone since Tuesday, but as of the most recent report, there were:

• Medicine Hat – 11 cases, (five recovered)
• Lethbridge – nine cases, (seven recovered)
• Cypress County – six cases
• M.D. of Taber – two cases (both recovered)
• County of Forty Mile – two cases (one recovered)
• Brooks – Three active cases
• Lethbridge County – One case