India is currently dealing with a devastating second Covid-19 wave that has swept through the nation, crushing the country's health infrastructure and overburdening frontline medical workers. The number of corona victims and the death toll is increasing day by day. Various measures are being taken to prevent corona infection.
Amid the second wave a lot of rumours have been circulating online. Now, many media reports quoting a CSIR survey are making rounds on social media platforms claiming that smokers and vegetarians are less vulnerable to Covid-19 infection.
The survey suggested that despite coronavirus being a respiratory disease, smoking might be beneficial due to its role in increasing mucous production. It also indicated that vegetarian food rich in fibre may have a role to play in providing immunity against Covid.
Press Information Bureau while quoting CSIR clarified that presently, no conclusion can be drawn based on the serological studies that vegetarian diet and smoking may protect from Covid. The CSIR said it has NOT ISSUED a Press Note titled “CSIR Study Reveals Smokers and Vegetarians are Less Vulnerable to Covid-19 Infection” (dated 24th April 2021).
In a tweet, PIB wrote, ”Media reports claim that @CSIR_IND survey reveals smokers & vegetarians are less vulnerable to COVID-19
PIB Fact Check: Presently, NO conclusion can be drawn based on the serological studies that vegetarian diet & smoking may protect from COVID-19.”