A 2019 preliminary study based in the United States aimed to assess whether youth vaping and e-cigarette use are associated with COVID-19 symptoms, testing, and diagnosis. The study found that people who dual use e-cigarettes and cigarettes have a higher chance of catching the COVID-19 virus.
Key points from the study (‘Association Between Youth Smoking, Electronic Cigarette Use, and Coronavirus Disease 2019’) include:
- People who use e-cigarettes or who use both e-cigarettes and cigarettes have a higher chance of catching COVID-19
- E-cigarette use exposes a person to nicotine and other harmful chemicals which directly impacts the lung’s function. COVID-19 is a virus that can more easily infect damaged lungs. COVID-19 is more dangerous to people whose lungs are already damaged.
- COVID-19 also spreads through touching your face and hands and having close contact with other people. E-cigarette users often share their devices with other people helping to spread the virus.
Interesting statistics:
- People who had ever been users of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes were seven times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19
- People who used both cigarettes and e-cigarettes in the last 30 days were 6.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19
Message for youth
Be aware of the impacts of e-cigarettes and cigarettes and how they can directly impact your lungs. This can be even more detrimental if you contract COVID-19. If you are vaping, don’t share your device with others as this can spread COVID-19. When vaping be aware of social distancing and who is near when vaping.
To see the full study on the Journal of Adolescent Health website click here
