SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Research shows that smoking cigarettes and other activities that inflame the lungs are linked to heightened risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Doctors in South Dakota and beyond are urging those who smoke tobacco, vape or use marijuana to stop in order to reduce their health risks during the pandemic and to improve their long-term health.
The findings are highly relevant in South Dakota, which in 2019 led all neighboring states in the rate of cigarette smoking, with 19.3% of adults currently smoking, according to the American Lung Association. That rate is 18% higher than the national average of 16.4% and more than 25% higher than smoking rates in Nebraska (15.4%) or Minnesota (14.5%).
Youth use of tobacco and vaping products in South Dakota is also a concern for health officials. In 2017, 10.1% of South Dakota high school students reported smoking cigarettes at least once in the past month, while 17.3% of high-schoolers and 2.5% of middle-schoolers reported vaping in the past month.
In the latest article published by South Dakota News Watch, available here, reporter Bart Pfankuch examines the connection between smoking and COVID-19 with a chart showing smoking and coronavirus rates among all Great Plains states.
