Doctors warn that air pollution caused by wildfires could worsen Covid-19 risk

Studies conducted in the US, China and Italy have shown that smoke and air pollution could increase susceptibility to viral infections as the smoke irritates lungs, can cause inflammation and affect the immune system.

Now, with wildfires ravaging the Pacific Northwest, doctors warn that the smoke caused by the fires could make people more susceptible to Covid-19.

"Multiple studies have shown a correlation between higher levels of pollution in the air and greater spread and severity of Covid-19 cases," so Dr. Brad Spellberg, chief medical officer of the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.