Surge in smokers quitting across Wales amid increased fears over coronavirus
There has been a significant increase in the number of people that have quit smoking, due to fears over coronavirus.
According to health experts, smokers are more at risk from the virus because they have weakened lung defences however they have explained that there are numerous immediate benefits to quitting.
Public Health Wales reported an increase of 51% in referrals to NHS Wales' Help Me Quit service following indications that smokers face a higher risk of suffering complications from the virus.
Public Health Wales said a study carried out in China earlier this year found that that smokers with Covid-19 are 14 times more likely to develop severe disease.
The World Health Organisation has also warned that they are more likely to catch the virus because of the hand-to-mouth action of smoking.
Christian Heathcote-Elliott, from Public Health Wales, said "Help Me Quit support can be accessed quickly and our friendly telephone support service advisors will be with you every step of your smoke-free journey."
Currently, 17% of adults smoke with prevalence highest in the most deprived areas of the country at 20% compared to 14% in the least deprived.
It is also believed that around 9% of 15 to 16-year-olds smoke. Details on the NHS Help Me Quit campaign can be found here.
The immediate benefits of quitting smoking are:
After 48 hours carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body and the lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris
After 72 hours breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes begin to relax
After 2 to 12 weeks blood circulation improves, making physical activity like walking and running easier.