BY SANDRA GUY

Lung health has soared to a No. 1 health concern amid the coronavirus pandemic, as vapers, former and current cigarette and e-cigarette smokers, and those exposed to second-hand smoke are at higher risk for COVID-19.

That’s because smoking and nicotine exposure weaken the immune system and increase the expression of an enzyme called ACE2 in one’s respiratory system, says a review by the University of California-Merced’s Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center.

COVID-19 binds to the ACE2 receptors, leading to an increased risk of contracting the coronavirus, the report said.

The situation’s urgency is underscored during National Healthy Lung Month, recognized during October, and Lung Health Day on Oct. 28.

Yet the pandemic’s economic fallout poses a challenge to governments trying to stop the sale of vaping and other smoking products marketed to children with flavors like fruit loops, cotton candy and apple berry bubblegum.

Even Chicago, which has gained distinction for its anti-smoking efforts, passed a watered-down ordinance recently to ban flavored vaping product sales rather than banning all flavored tobacco products, after owners of gas stations and tobacco and convenience stores argued it would hurt their sales when they’re already suffering.

Chicago already has raised the smoking age to 21; imposed the nation’s highest cigarette tax; banned e-cigarettes where smoking is barred; barred flavored-tobacco sales within 500 feet of schools; and prohibited coupons and discounts aimed at luring teens to buy smoking products.

But the best way to stop smoking, experts agree, is for smokers to get motivated to quit. That’s where technology is stepping up to help.

Resources include:

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) — A free national service that routes the caller to the state phone line connected to the caller’s area code.
• 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872), press 2 — The American Lung Association’s free HelpLine and Tobacco QuitLine.
• 877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848) — Trained counselors at the National Cancer Institute offer support in English and Spanish. Operates Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time.

APPS, as rated by HealthLine

• QuitNow!
• Smoke Free
• QuitGenius
• My QuitBuddy
• EasyQuit

The website https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping/how-to-quit-vaping also provides tips and a live online chat feature to help teens quit smoking and vaping.

The topics include pinpointing triggers that prompt you to reach for a vape or a smoke, preparing for cravings and withdrawal, and steeling oneself against temptations.