Two leading specialists from our clinic give us valuable information on this topic.

Covid-19 has not prevented people from smoking tobacco. It seriously harms the health of Peruvians, since smokers become more vulnerable to contracting the virus, and increases their risk of developing different types of Cancer.

You should consider that tobacco smoke is dangerous because the virus is easily spread when it is expelled by someone infected. The minimum distance to a smoker should be 10 meters. It is essential to reinforce measures to protect ourselves and today is, without a doubt, the best time for Peruvian laws to make this legal drug illegal or at least to prevent smoking on the street during this pandemic, says Mauricio León Rivera, Surgical Oncologist of our clinic.

Smokers are vulnerable

The World Health Organization warns that tobacco users are more vulnerable to contracting Covid-19 than non-smokers.

Edgar Amorín, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma, says that unfortunately, a functional and organic alteration occurs due to the presence of particles of matter and inhaled smoke. This will mainly alter the respiratory system, among others, being these patients prone to rapid respiratory deterioration in this time of pandemic, and when hospitalized and intubated, more than 50% of them will die in the ICU. The more cigarettes consumed, the higher the functional and organic affectation proportional to the consequences on their health. The recommendation is: Avoid smoking!

Dr. Mauricio León
Surgical Oncologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma

Dr. Edgar Amorín
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon at Clínica Ricardo Palma/strong>