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Study shows teens who vape at greater risk for COVID-19

Posted at 2:33 PM, Oct 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-28 14:33:31-04

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — According to a study published in The Journal of Adolescent Health in August 2020, young people who vaped were five to seven times more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than those who did not.

The authors of the study attributed the increased risk to the negative impacts of vaping.

“This new study linking vaping to susceptibility for COVID-19 should be a wake-up call for parents and others to intervene,” said Steven Dina, M.D., medical director at Univera Healthcare.

Dina also said young people believe e-cigarettes are less harmful than other tobacco products but they're wrong.

"'The Vape Talk' is an important one for parents to have with their kids," said Jennifer Sullivan, Manager of Health Promotions for the American Lung Association and Director of the Asthma Coalition of Erie, Monroe & Niagara Counties. "By having an honest and informed discussion you can help keep your child from beginning a lifelong addiction to nicotine - and all the health risks that come with using tobacco products."

You can find the full study here.

Resources to quit vaping can be found at the NYS Smoker’s Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) and SmokeFree.gov.