Your lungs are equipped with tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that help clear out bacteria, viruses, and other debris.  Smoking and vaping may damage these cilia , making it harder for your lungs to expel harmful particles. As a result, your risk of respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia increases significantly.

Nicotine, a key ingredient in cigarettes and most vape products,  can suppress your immune system . High levels of nicotine from vaping and smoking reduce the effectiveness of white blood cells and inhibit antibody production. This leaves your body less equipped to identify and fight off infections, making it easier for viruses like the flu to take control.

Both cigarette smoke and vape aerosols contain harmful chemicals that can cause persistent inflammation in your body. This chronic inflammation leads to oxidative stress, which weakens your immune system over time. When your body is already dealing with inflammation, it has fewer resources to fight off infections effectively.

Smoking and vaping don’t just make you more susceptible to illness— they can also slow your recovery . These habits impair your body’s ability to heal quickly, making it harder to bounce back from colds, the flu, surgeries, or even minor injuries.

The bottom line? Quitting smoking or vaping can significantly improve your immune health and reduce your risk of respiratory infections. If you’re looking for resources to quit, consider Jones . Our FDA-approved nicotine mints to help curb cravings and reduce your dependency. Pair the mints with our free app that provides clinically proven behavioral strategies and daily motivation. This combination of NRT and community-driven behavioral tools is the most effective way to quit. Jones is designed to help you gradually manage cravings and reduce your nicotine dependency over time.