We Quit Cigarettes

[aart]

OK, don't get on my case if you don't like what you hear like some are doing on another thread.

Some researchers at the University of South Carolina just did a study and found that smokers have a significantly increased ACE2 expression in the lungs, which is the enzyme that the coronavirus attaches to in order to infect lung cells. So the possibility exists that smokers are more susceptible to infection from this virus.

No surprise there.

 

[ShannonR]

Yeah, here's the study (pdf). Not conclusive, but interesting

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.05.20020107v1.full.pdf

That was a really interesting study. I didn't have a chance to read through the whole thing, kids bothering me and stuff lol but I did read most of it. The study does have some severe limitations, which were a acknowledged in the study. The sample size was extremely small, and did not include even numbers from each ethnic group or gender. Also, the lung tissue samples were taken from lung cancer patients, (biopsy samples maybe?) so it's hard to get a clear unbiased picture.

I would be interested in seeing the results of a similar study using postmortem COVID-19 victims which have been more evenly represented as far as race and gender go. Control group would be easier to handle this way too. But, ethics. Not like the dead folks would care, but their families may squeal about it.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

@webbysmeme I believe in and utilize prayer, but sometimes scientific/medical help is also needed. I'm with @aart contact your doctor or call a local AA phone number for advice/direction. Protect yourself. You have taken on a monumental task and are heavy on my mind.

X 2

 

[casportpony]

@Kiki, where are you? Are you okay?

 

[aart]

@Kiki, where are you? Are you okay?

Wondering the same no posts since last night @Kiki ?

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Agreed; be careful, Webby.
(Speaking of being careful when going out, did anyone else stay home from church today due to the virus?)
Alright, I'm gonna log off for a while and try to make some pavlova shells. See you guys in a while -- I'll let you know how it went.
@WVduckchick, good luck! You can do this!

@Sapphire Sebright our Archbishop gave us permission to miss Mass.

 

[sourland]

@jolenesdad you too are conspicuous by your absence.

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

Yeah... how have you guys (or girls? Guy and girl? You two) been, @jolenesdad and @21hens-incharge? How goes the quitting? Let us know, please!

(Suddenly, I'm using these smilies everywhere!).

 

[NanaKat]

Good morning @Kiki and everyone else.

@Kiki , welcome to day 27!
View attachment 2052214

Really enjoy your creative calendar posts...inspiring.

OK, don't get on my case if you don't like what you hear like some are doing on another thread.

Some researchers at the University of South Carolina just did a study and found that smokers have a significantly increased ACE2 expression in the lungs, which is the enzyme that the coronavirus attaches to in order to infect lung cells. So the possibility exists that smokers are more susceptible to infection from this virus.

The pdf was an interesting read. And while a limited study, it does raise concerns for the possibility.
My Youngest sister replaced smoking with e-cig. In essence she is still smoking (the act of inhaling and exhaling a nicotine product) even though she can dial down the nicotine. She is in denial. My brother smokes as well...has tried to stop a few times but always gives in to the urge to smoke.
Dad was a chain smoker and lived to 85. Divorced when we were young, my mother did not smoke but died at age 60 of complications from lung cancer...a small tumor on the lung hidden in the shadow of her heart mastastasized in her brain and bones....second hand smoke.

So proud of those who choose to quit and are sticking with their goal. And the many others who are quitting other addictions.

 

[Kiki]

@Kiki, where are you? Are you okay?

Hey guys!
I'm good. I am winning just not feeling too hot...been in bed Netflixing all day.
I'll be back to catch up tomorrow.