BREAKING - Researchers suspect a **protective effect** of nicotine on #COVID19. This assumption is based on the low number of smokers among coronavirus patients - worldwide the rate is only between 1.4 and 12.5 percent according to several studies.

"The hypothesis is that nicotine attaches to cell receptors used by the coronavirus and thus prevents the virus from attaching," says Professor Jean-Pierre Changeux from the Institut Pasteur and the Collège de France.

Thus, the coronavirus cannot penetrate the cells and spread in the organism. Nevertheless, people should not buy cigarettes now, because smoking endangers the health, the scientists warn.

A nicotinic hypothesis for #COVID19 with preventive and therapeutic implications.

A new research paper released: https://www.qeios.com/read/article/571