The Clinical Edge: COVID-19, Tobacco Use and Health Disparities Populations presented April 13, 2020
Webinar Objectives:
Smoking and vaping may lead to worse clinical outcomes following respiratory infections, which is particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many groups of Americans, such as persons living in poverty, individuals with behavioral health conditions, and persons involved with the criminal justice system, smoke and use other nicotine products at high rates and are at greater risk after contracting COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. In this webinar we will:
- Explore the disproportionate impact COVID-19 and infectious disease has among tobacco users from health disparity populations
- Review the scientific evidence base regarding tobacco’s role in suppressing the immune system, damaging the lungs, and causing the underlying medical conditions that are associated with worse COVID-19 related outcomes
- Discuss potential actions to promote education and abstinence from nicotine, particularly for at-risk population
Resources:
- Estimated Emergency and Observational/Quarantine Capacity Need for the US Homeless Population Related to COVID-19 Exposure by County; Projected Hospitalizations, Intensive Care Units and Mortality
- Identify Your Coping Strategies Worksheet – Behavioral Health & Wellness Program
- Collision of COVID-19 and Addiction Epidemics
- For patients calling their providers or triage call centers for medical advice related to COVID, screening for tobacco use should be standardized and treatment should be included in care plan for asymptomatic/non-urgent cases. UCSF has a nice triage tool they’ve developed.