The CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpages have been updated to reflect recent data showing that adults who smoke or have a history of smoking are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

People with Certain Medical Conditions

Updated Oct. 6, 2020

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Summary of Recent Changes:

Revisions were made on October 6, 2020 to reflect recent data supporting increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19 among adults with COVID-19 who have obesity, who are overweight, or who smoke or have a history of smoking. These revisions also make the document more explicit about data and implications for adults and for children. The listed underlying medical conditions in children were also revised to indicate that these conditions might increase risk to better reflect the quality of available data currently. This reflects the fact that there are less data available for children and does not imply that children are not at risk. We are learning more about COVID-19 every day, and as new information becomes available, CDC will update the information below. ​

Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:

Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m² or higher but < 40 kg/m²)
• Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²)
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Smoking

Being a current or former cigarette smoker increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Actions to take

• If you currently smoke, quit. If you used to smoke, don’t start again. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start.
• Counseling from a healthcare provider and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications can double the chances of quitting smoking.
• For help quitting smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit smokefree.govexternal icon.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns or feel sick.
• If you don’t have a healthcare provider, contact your nearest community health centerexternal icon or health department.

Learn about smoking and tobacco use.

Learn about the health effects of cigarette smoking.

CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health