Nicotine Prevents Coronavirus Infection?

Recent studies suggest nicotine users may be less susceptible to coronavirus infection.

Hey, that’s not us speaking. That’s science.

Trust the scientists, right?

Actually, according to a report on TheConversation.com, a French hospital study suggested smoking cigarettes could make people less likely to catch the Chinese virus.

We always knew there was a point to smoking outside of it making us look really cool.

Now, the study did hypothesize that people could just be lying to hospital officials about their dirty habits so doctors think they’re not filthy smokers.

We’re guessing that doctors pretty much can figure out who smokes and doesn’t when they walk into the room. So, why lie?

From The Conversation:

The authors of the French study suggest the mechanism behind the protective effects of smoking could be found in nicotine.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, gains entry into human cells by latching onto protein receptors called ACE2, which are found on certain cells’ surfaces.

The researchers have proposed nicotine attaches to the ACE2 receptors, thereby preventing the virus from attaching and potentially reducing the amount of virus that can get into a person’s lung cells.

The researchers are now planning to test their hypothesis in a randomised trial involving nicotine patches; though the trial is still awaiting approval from French health authorities.

 

 

Subscribe to Coal Region Canary

Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!

Support Coal Region Canary

Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...