Emerging evidence suggests smoking increases risk of Covid-19 infection: Harsh Vardhan

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday said emerging evidence suggests that smoking increases risk of contracting Covid-19 as well as worsens the outcome in people infected with the virus. Speaking at the release of an e-book on tackling substance abuse and behavioral addiction in the country, Vardhan said alcohol intoxication can also increase the risk of infection and have other effects, including a reduction of immunity.