The Truth Initiative® recently published an article discussing the connection between vaping increasing the vulnerability to contracting COVID-19 and the lack of awareness among teens and young adults. It has been proven that vaping damages the lungs, especially in the underdeveloped bodies of teens. Damaged lungs are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infections. To be specific, according to research conducted by Stanford University published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, those that vape are 5X MORE LIKELY to be diagnosed with COVID-19 in comparison to those who do not vape (Gaiha et al., 2020). Those who reported to users of both e-cigarette and cigarette use within the past 30 days of the study were 7X MORE LIKELY to be diagnosed with COVID-19 compared to their non-vaping counterparts. This same group was also 5X MORE LIKELY to experience COVID-19-related symptoms (Gaiha et al., 2020). To access this study for more information, you can check out any of the links below.
Vaping multiplies risk of COVID-19 in teens and young adults
Association Between Youth Smoking, Electronic Cigarette Use, and Coronavirus Disease 2019
Association Between Youth Smoking, Electronic Cigarette Use, and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (PDF)
However, despite all of these findings, only 44% of youth (between the ages of 15-24 years) believe that vaping, increased vulnerability to COVID-19, and infection rates are correlated. With this information, Truth Initiative® has launched a new campaign in efforts to address and change misconceptions in regards to vaping while also providing tips on how to boost one’s immune system. To check out this campaign and learn more, click the link below.
Fewer than half of young people aware of connection between vaping and COVID-19 risk
If your child or a child you know is unable to stop vaping, please contact the child’s health care provider, school counselor, or other trusted professional to discuss ways to help them quit. You can also check out some of these resources below:
Text “QUIT” to (202) 804-9884
Text “DITCHJUUL” to 887-09
Georgia Tobacco Quitline (GTQL): 1-877-270-STOP (877-270-7867)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
The National Cancer Institute Quitline: 877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848)
For more info about the effects of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vaping, follow the link below:
Tobacco
References
Gaiha, S. M., Cheng, J., & Halpern-Felsher, B. (2020). Association Between Youth Smoking, Electronic Cigarette Use, and Coronavirus Disease 2019. Journal of Adolescent Health, S1054139X20303992. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.07.002