Health experts are cautioning vapers about the risks posed by two new variants of Covid, known as Nimbus and Stratus, which are driving a surge in infections throughout the UK. These strains are contributing to a recent uptick in cases, leading to more hospital admissions and a rise in symptoms like sore throats, fatigue, and coughs. Data from the UK Health Security Agency indicates a 19% week-on-week increase in reported Covid cases, with 3,049 cases in the week ending on 1 October.
In England, there were 87 new Covid-related deaths reported in the last week, along with 2,077 hospital admissions, according to Chronicle Live. Health authorities are advising the public to be cautious in crowded settings, stay home when feeling unwell, and self-isolate for five days upon testing positive to prevent further virus spread.
Keith Rochfort, an Assistant Professor at Dublin City University, has highlighted the vulnerability of vapers to Covid infection. He explained that vaping can strain the lung lining, making it more susceptible to infections. Vaping exposes the lungs to solvents, flavoring chemicals, nicotine, and trace metals, which can damage the lung’s protective layers and lead to endothelial dysfunction, even in young individuals.
Rochfort emphasized that both vaping and Covid can trigger inflammation, creating a harmful combination that impairs lung function and healing. The interaction between vaping and Covid can worsen respiratory problems, delay recovery, and potentially lead to long-term damage to the lungs.
Marc Effron from Legacy Healing Centre also warned about the risks of vaping in conjunction with Covid infection, particularly with the new variants like Nimbus and Stratus. These variants are more transmissible, increasing the likelihood of lung complications in infected individuals. Effron advised vapers to refrain from vaping during illness to aid lung healing and prevent further damage.
In light of the rapid spread of the Nimbus and Stratus variants, experts are urging vapers to consider the impact of vaping on lung health, especially in the context of Covid infection. Effron underscored the importance of supporting lung recovery by avoiding vaping, particularly during illness, to prevent exacerbating lung damage and aiding the healing process.