SAYRE, PA (WENY) -- In the first of three exclusive reports, WENY News is exploring the lasting effects of COVID-19 in connection with other health issues. 

November 18th marked the third Thursday of the month, also the American Cancer Society's annual "Great American Smokeout". It's designed to be a starting point for those wishing to quit, which has a plethora of challenges. 

"We're seeing definitely individuals that if they smoke and have a chronic disease, it's most likely not that they're gong to be able to leave the hospital alive -- it's that serious a problem," says Guthrie Dr. Anthony Grippo, MD, Occupational Medicine. 

Prior to the pandemic, national rates of smoking had finally started to trend downward, but Dr. Grippo tells WENY News, he's seeing, first-hand, a resurgence. 

"I'm actually noticing people that have actually quit prior to the pandemic or reduced smoking significantly but started back up and there is a direct correlation between the stress of the pandemic and people going back to smoking as a method for them to alleviate that stress," Dr. Grippo explains. 

In talking with his patients, there is a range of contributing factors to picking the habit back up again. 

"The stress of losing loved ones, or having loved ones becoming very ill with COVID - that has heightened their anxiety. Many individuals that have started smoking because they've actually either been laid off during the height of the pandemic or have actually lost their job," Dr. Grippo says. 

While there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of catching COVID for smokers, the severity of the disease does take a greater toll on the body.

"There are individuals that are chronic smokers that have had had worsening of symptoms as it related to COVID. So worsening respiratory disorders, where someone who's a non-smoker, their body's able to combat the respiratory component of that," Dr. Grippo explains. 

The Occupational Medicine specialist offers a message to those trying to figure out the hardest part: where to start. 

"I would just encourage patients to talk to their healthcare professionals regarding stress management because I think a lot of it has to do with the way individuals cope with stress and there a lot of tools that we can give them to cope with stress so they can avoid going back to tobacco use," says Dr. Grippo. 

If you are looking to take part in the Great American Smokeout and make a plan today, click here: https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html