A new study has cast yet another cloud over vaping.
Stanford researchers on Wednesday revealed vaping can lead to a “substantially increased risk” of COVID-19 in teens and young adults. The study found that people who vape are five to seven more times likely to contract the coronavirus compared to non-vapers. “Young people may believe their age protects them from contracting the virus or that they will not experience symptoms of COVID-19,” says lead author Dr. Shivani Mathur Gaiha. “But the data show this isn’t true among those who vape.”
Teens and young adults who vape are 5 to 7 times more likely to be infected with the coronavirus than non-e-cig users, according to a new study. https://t.co/ZZndpqk8Um
— NBC 7 San Diego (@nbcsandiego) August 11, 2020
Although researchers haven’t determined the exact reason for the increased risk, Gaiha believes it’s because vaping can damage the lungs and lower a vaper’s immune system. “It’s not just a small increase in risk,” Gaiha says. “It’s a big one.”