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A quick literature search shows ample evidence of both immune suppressing and immune promoting effects of nicotine.

I didn’t see something that was a clear consensus, but it seemed like nicotine decidedly modulates the immune system. It seems whatever effects it has might do good things for covid.

Nicotine isn’t evil, and even not particularly addictive when not delivered via burning leaves. (components in smoke change how much enters the brain)

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"even not particularly addictive when not delivered via burning leaves"

My personal experience is that it is even more addictive. First, with NRT (gum, lozenge) you can use nicotine much more frequently - e.g. even going to bed with lozenge in your mouth. Second, you can easily increase your dosage. 2mg piece of gum not doing it for you? Pop in a few more or move up to 4mg. Switch to mini-lozenge and you can suck on say 5 * 4mg lozenges at one time.

I've been wondering about this anyway. Isn't the covid that requires hospitalization due to an overreaction of the immune system? Maybe suppressing the immune system slightly is what helps here.

One of the primary treatments is a big dose of powerful steroids to suppress the immune response.

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