As Coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, many people are worried that they may fall into one of the groups at high risk for infection or a negative outcome. This may be especially worrisome if you use e-cigarettes or vape. Since vaping does not involve the toxins or tar that traditional cigarettes do, are you safe, or are you still a higher risk?
The answer for the moment is, that doctors and the medical establishment still do not know. We are still learning about the mechanisms by which Coronavirus arracks the body. People with pre-existing conditions, especially lung or immunological conditions, are at higher risk. When admitting patients, doctors may ask if someone has a history of smoking, but they do not always ask about vaping.
Evidence shows that smokers are at a higher risk for COVID-19. The damage done by the tar and toxins contained in cigarettes puts smokers at a higher risk of contracting most respiratory infections. Some researchers are quick to lump vaping into the same category, although vaping does not contain the same contaminants that cigarettes do. Without further research, the risks of contracting coronavirus because of vaping remain a mystery.
One thing doctors are certain of is that if you have damage in the lining of your lungs, you are at higher risk. Research into the effects of vaping on the lungs is still in the early stages since vaping is a fairly new phenomenon. More research has been done since the EVALI outbreak, which occurred due to black market ingredients that were found in some vaping liquids that contained marijuana.
There is uncertainty if vaping damages the lungs, or if damage can occur due to ingredients in some vaping liquids. There have been a few studies that suggest that e-cigs and vaping may weaken the immune system. However, these studies were very small, and the researchers themselves stated that the results were not definitive. The lack of any firm answers can make it frustrating when you are trying to make the best choices for your health. The best way to avoid contracting Coronavirus is to lead a healthy lifestyle and practice social distancing. Take extra precautions if you know you suffer from any conditions that might put you at higher risk. If you have no underlying conditions, proceed with caution, and make the decisions that you feel are best for you.