Vaping Linked to Higher Risk of COVID-19 Infection in Young Adults

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that teenagers and young adults who vape are substantially more likely to become infected with COVID-19, with those who use e-cigarettes being five to seven times more likely to contract the virus compared to non-users. The study, which surveyed 4,351 participants aged 13 to 24 across the US, found that dual-users of e-cigarettes and normal cigarettes are nearly seven times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19. The researchers warned that young people who vape may underestimate their risk of infection, believing their age or lack of symptoms will protect them.

Key Takeaways:

• Teenagers and young adults who vape are five to seven times more likely to contract COVID-19 compared to non-users.
• Dual-users of e-cigarettes and normal cigarettes are nearly seven times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19.
• The study found no connection between COVID-19 infection and normal cigarette use alone.
• Young people may underestimate their risk of infection due to a false belief in their age or lack of symptoms.
• The study's lead author, Shivani Mathur Gaiha, PhD, emphasized the significant risk of COVID-19 infection among youth e-cigarette users.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that smoking normal cigarettes increases the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, but the exact magnitude of the risk is not specified.

Statistics:

• 4,351 participants were surveyed in the study.
• 5 to 7 times higher risk of COVID-19 infection among e-cigarette users compared to non-users.
• 93% (approximate) of dual-users (e-cigarettes and normal cigarettes) were diagnosed with COVID-19.
• No connection between COVID-19 infection and normal cigarette use alone was found in the study.

Sources:

• Alarabiya
• Stanford Medicine