Participants needed in Virginia as trial to help smokers quit gets underway
By: WTKR Staff
and last updated 2021-02-18 15:06:23-05
NORFOLK, Va. â As cases of the more contagious COVID-19 variants continue to multiply across the country, smokers may be more encouraged than ever to kick the habit.
Dr. William Smith said smokers are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
âPeople with severe lung disease, which is one of the side effects of smoking, are at more risk for COVID,â he said.
Fewer than one in 10 adult smokers successfully quit each year.
A new pill under research could help more people put down cigarettes for good. The naturally derived drug is called cytisinicline.
Experts say approved vaccines could raise drop-out concerns for later trials
Experts are concerned approved vaccines could make it harder to find trial participants for later rounds. They say trial drop-out rates could increase, too.
and last updated 2020-12-14 19:40:27-05
KANSAS CITY, Mo. â While Pfizer s Covid-19 vaccine is approved for public use, doctors say it s important to keep in mind multiple vaccines are needed to help end the pandemic as soon as possible.
Several trials are still underway for other COVID-19 vaccines. Those that begin later than others could face problems with having enough participants or participants dropping out to receive an approved vaccine when it s available to them.