Effect of Smoking on Influenza Illness and Vaccine-induced Immune Response in Mice

Smoking Status Association with Intention to Vaccination against Coronavirus Disease-2019

Objectives:

This paper aimed to examine the association between smoking status and the intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine in a convenience sample of 226 Jordanian adults.

Methods:

Cross-sectional data on smoking status, the intention of vaccination, attitudes toward- and fear of COVID-19, and perceived susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 were collected. Descriptive comparative and correlational bivariate and multivariable statistical analyses were used.

Results:

Most subjects were female and single, with a mean age of 26.8 years. About 27.9% were smokers. Smokers had significantly higher mean scores on the intention of vaccination than non-smokers (p=.049). On regression analysis, smoking status was not a significant predictor, but higher scores on attitude toward and fear of COVID-19 were the only significant predictors of the intention for vaccination.

Conclusion:

Although smokers appear to have a higher intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine, variables other than smoking status, such as attitudes towards and fears of COVID-19 may influence people's decisions and should be appropriately addressed. Smoking's effect on the intention of vaccination with COVID-19 warrants further study.

An Assessment on Impact of COVID-19 Infection in a Gender Specific Manner

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by novel coronavirus Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was first time reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and thereafter quickly spread across the globe. Till September 19, 2020, COVID-19 has spread to 216 countries and territories. Severe infection of SARS-CoV-2 cause extreme increase in inflammatory chemokines and cytokines that may lead to multi-organ damage and respiratory failure. Currently, no specific treatment and authorized vaccines are available for its treatment. Renin angiotensin system holds a promising role in human physiological system specifically in regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte and fluid balance. SARS-CoV-2 interacts with Renin angiotensin system by utilizing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor for its cellular entry. This interaction hampers the protective action of ACE2 in the cells and causes injuries to organs due to persistent angiotensin II (Ang-II) level. Patients with certain comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are under the high risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality. Moreover, evidence obtained from several reports also suggests higher susceptibility of male patients for COVID-19 mortality and other acute viral infections compared to females. Analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) epidemiological data also indicate a gender-based preference in disease consequences. The current review addresses the possible mechanisms responsible for higher COVID-19 mortality among male patients. The major underlying aspects that was looked into includes smoking, genetic factors, and the impact of reproductive hormones on immune systems and inflammatory responses. Detailed investigations of this gender disparity could provide insight into the development of patient tailored therapeutic approach which would be helpful in improving the poor outcomes of COVID-19. Graphical abstract.

Smoking increases the risk of infectious diseases: A narrative review

Smoking is relevant to infectious diseases resulting in increased prevalence and mortality. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of the effects of smoking in various infections and to explain the potential mechanisms. We searched PubMed and other relevant databases for scientific studies that explored the relationship between smoking and infection. The mechanisms of susceptibility to infection in smokers may include alteration of the structural, functional and immunologic host defences. Smoking is one of the main risk factors for infections in the respiratory tract, digestive tract, reproductive tract, and other systems in humans, increasing the prevalence of HIV, tuberculosis, SARS-CoV, and the current SARS-CoV-2. Smoking cessation can reduce the risk of infection. Smoking increases the incidence of infections and aggravates the progress and prognosis of infectious diseases in a dose-dependent manner. Smoking cessation promotion and education are the most practical and economical preventive measures to reduce aggravation of disease infection owing to tobacco use.