Vaping Increases Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms


The link between COVID-19 and vaping is becoming more apparent as new research emerges. Evidence shows that the virus may have an easier time infecting the lungs of smokers and vapers.  According to a recent article in the New York Times, smoking appears to alter the surfaces of certain cells, prompting them to coat themselves with a molecule called ACE-2 — the protein the coronavirus uses to break into humans.

A team of researchers have found that young adults who vape are five times more likely to receive a coronavirus diagnosis. The full report can be seen here. And several studies have found that smoking can more than double a person’s risk of having severe COVID-19 symptoms should they become infected.

It should be no surprise, as exposure to nicotine and other chemicals in e-cigarettes affects lung functions negatively. Additionally, COVID-19 spreads through repeated touching near your mouth and face which is common among cigarette and e-cigarette users. Parents, healthcare providers and schools should continue to educate youth on how vaping and smoking can affect the respiratory and immune systems.

Dr. Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, a pediatric pulmonologist at Columbia University has said, “I have no doubt in saying that smoking and vaping could put people at increased risk of poor outcomes from Covid-19. “It is quite clear that smoking and vaping are bad for the lungs, and the predominant symptoms of COVID are respiratory. Those two things are going to be bad in combination.”

Along with staying at home, social distancing and washing hands, people should consider giving up smoking and vaping to give their lungs a fighting chance should they become infected with coronavirus.

Clark Perdue is currently investigating matters involving vaping deaths and injuries.  If you or a loved one has experienced complications from vaping, please contact us for further information.