In this article, Vejpkollen asks whether vejp smoking and e-cigarettes increase the risks in the case of COVID-19, caused by coronavirus. We sought the answers from two prominent researchers. Linda Bauld at the University of Edinburgh and Louise Adermark, University of Gothenburg.
Smokers have previously identified as a group at higher risk if they were to be infected by the coronavirus. But in a recent article published in Scientific American some doctors believe that e-cigarette users are also a risk group. They refer to studies done on mice and lab tests of cell tissues, where the vapor could possibly affect parts of the immune system. Swedish television, SVT, also uses the article to highlight e-cigarettes in the context of the coronavirus.
COVID-19 and e-cigarettes
But what do these studies really mean? And should vejpers be worried? Vejpkollen put the question to a few high-profile researchers in the field.
Linda Bauld is Professor of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh. Her extensive research has had a major impact on e-cigarette legislation in several countries, including United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. And she believes that the studies that Scientific American mentioned are insufficient. But also that we do not know enough to draw any firm conclusions.
"There are no studies in humans linking vejpning to complications of COVID-19. However, we do know that respiratory symptoms improve for smokers who switch to e-cigarettes. An example of this is seen in former smokers with asthma. And since almost all vejp users are former smokers, it would be irresponsible to encourage them to quit vejpa because of the risks of COVID-19. Especially since the alternative in most cases is to return to cigarettes" says Linda Bauld to Vejpkollen.
Important not to start smoking again
Linda Bauld suggests that those who do not need to use e-cigarettes should not do so either. Although there is no evidence to suggest that vejpning increases the risks of a Covid-19 infection.
"The most important thing is that vejpers, who have quit smoking, do not start smoking again. This is especially important during this pandemic, as smoking has serious consequences for the respiratory system." says Linda Bauld.
"No need to be extra worried"
She is joined by Louise Adermark, researcher in addiction medicine at the Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry at the University of Gothenburg. Louise Adermark has, among other things, compiled information to educate the County Council about e-cigarettes in Sweden. She is the researcher that the Swedish media often call when the topic of vejpning is up for debate.
Do you see e-cigarettes as a risk factor in COVID-19?
"Since the statistics suggest that age is the main risk factor, vejps probably don't need to be particularly worried. But if you are concerned, it is always wise to reduce your consumption," says Louise Adermark to Vejpkollen.
No support in research
However, like Linda Bauld, she emphasizes that we have too little data at present to say anything for sure about vejpning and COVID-19.
"Although it is conceivable that nicotine inhalers make the lungs a little more vulnerable to infection, there is currently little evidence that e-cigarette users could be a risk group. Especially given that asthmatics are relatively spared from COVID-19 anyway" says Louise Adermark.
For more information on Coronavirus and vejpning you can read a longer statement from two researchers that goes through several technical details on the subject here(note: PDF).
