Coronavirus: Vaping increases the risk of Covid-19-this is science

We are now familiar with guidance on how to reduce the risk of contracts. Coronavirus: Wash your hands, wear a mask, and maintain a social distance. However, there is another important piece of advice. Don’t Vape

Smoking Has been shown to be a risk factor for The more serious form of Covid-19And now, vaping is burning for similar reasons. Ah Recent researchAnnounced by researchers at Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco has shown that vaping significantly increases the likelihood of a Covid-19 diagnosis among adolescents aged 13 to 24 years in the United States.

Researchers conducted a survey asking participants whether they were ever vomiting, vomiting, or both (defined as “dual use”), and current users. Participants were asked if they experienced any symptoms, had a Covid-19 test, or had a positive diagnosis.

The results suggest a strong association between vaping or dual use and being diagnosed with Covid-19. In fact, Vapping and becoming dual-user increases your chances of being diagnosed with Covid-19 by at least five times. For current dual users, the risk is seven times greater. Most striking in this study was that the authors found no similar increased risk of illness among smokers. The increased diagnostic potential is likely due primarily to vaping.

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There were some anomalies: Studies also seem to suggest that previous breathing is at higher risk for Covid-19 than if you are currently breathing. It does not take into account myriad flavors and available devices. Were there any devices that were more strongly associated with a particular flavor or Covid risk? Still do not know.

So why does vaping increase the risk of getting Covid 19? Here are some possibilities.

Vaping helps the virus enter cells

The virus cannot replicate outside the host cell. In order to enter, it must attach to a specific receptor. The more receptors you have in your body, the more susceptible you are to infection. The virus that causes Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, attaches to a receptor called ACE-2.

Studies show that smokers Increased expression Effect of ACE-2 on lung cells Nicotine exposure.. Therefore, when lung cells are exposed to steam containing nicotine, it is likely that a similar mechanism is working.

Vaping damages the lungs

Electronic cigarette can Direct damage Lung cells. This damage leads to reduced lung function and makes you more susceptible to lung infections such as Covid-19.

The lungs are constantly exposed to the viruses and bacteria we inhale. It is important that the immune system act quickly to get rid of these. But vaping damages key immune cells such as: Macrophage Monocytes that recognize and react to invading pathogens. This will help the body Respond effectively For infectious diseases.

Our group’s research has already shown that exposing harmful lung pathogens to steam makes them more pathogenic. Causes more inflammation.. For some bacteria, the observed effect was greater when inhaled compared to cigarette smoke. E-cigarettes are increasingly finding evidence that the lungs make it difficult to fight infections effectively, while at the same time increasing inflammation in ways that ultimately damage the lungs.

Should I stop vaping?

This study should come as a harsh warning of the risk of vaping, especially in young people, especially against the background of coronavirus pandemics.

We need to stay away from obscure public health messages centered around vaping. Vaping suggests that it is “safer” than smoking. This is often Government-led storySuggests that vaping is primarily used to help people quit smoking. However, the number of vaping people who have never smoked is steadily increasing.

Moreover, it does not, by itself, recognize the risks of vaping and those associated with people who smoke both cigarettes and vape. Coronavirus pandemics do not disappear soon. You need to understand where the risks are and develop strategies to reduce them.

Diadora Gilpin I’m a faculty member Queen’s University Belfast

This article is reissued from conversation Under Creative Commons license. Read Original work..