COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus, SARS-CoV-2. People who smoke generally have an increased risk of contracting respiratory infection and of more severe symptoms once infected. Smoking may cause you to have more severe symptoms and could cause health complications. This is due to the damage smoking has to the lungs and airways. The damage caused by smoking harms the immune system, reducing your ability to fight infection.

What are the risks of shisha smoking

Shisha smoking carries all the health risks of smoking, and sharing the mouthpiece greatly increases the risk of spreading COVID-19. PHE strongly advises against sharing any smoking devices.