Researchers conducted a study analyzing the immune responses of 1,000 healthy individuals aged 20 to 69, which was recently published in the journal Nature. The study aimed to understand why immune responses vary among individuals. The findings suggest that smoking not only increases the risk of lung cancer, heart attack, and stroke but also weakens the body's ability to fight infections, potentially contributing to chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

According to study co-author Violaine Saint-André from Institut Pasteur in Paris, it is crucial to "stop smoking as soon as possible," especially for long-term immunity. The study emphasizes the importance of never starting smoking, particularly for the youth.

The research also identified other factors affecting immune response, such as having a higher-than-average body mass index and prior infection with cytomegalovirus. The study evaluated 136 different factors, including lifestyle, socioeconomics, diet, and genetics, among others. Blood samples from participants were analyzed for their response to various common bacteria and viruses, demonstrating differences in immune response within the body.

The study highlights the detrimental impact of smoking on immunity and the potential link to chronic inflammatory diseases. Researchers urge the public, especially the youth, to prioritize long-term health by avoiding smoking and adopting healthy lifestyle choices.