Efficacy of Nicotine in Preventing COVID-19 Infection (NICOVID-PREV)
Daily active smokers are infrequent among outpatients or hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Several arguments suggest that nicotine is responsible for this protective effect via the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR).
Nicotine may inhibit the penetration and spread of the virus and have a prophylactic effect in COVID-19 infection.
You don't have to smoke it, just can use a lozenge.
I seem to recall a study too where nicotine could help restore your smell/taste post covid.
Tempting to try. I'm on day 10 day, (day 3 of steroids). Taste is finally starting to come back. Everything tastes like shit though. Probably the zinc.