Vaping may leave users at higher risk of serious complications if they contract the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, the Food and Drug Administration said.
“People with underlying health issues, such as heart or lung problems, may have increased risk for serious complications from Covid-19,” Michael Felberbaum, an FDA spokesman, said in an email Friday in response to questions from Bloomberg. “This includes people who smoke and/or vape tobacco or nicotine-containing products.”
“E-cigarettes can damage lung cells,” Felberbaum said.
Some health experts have speculated that vaping is causing younger patients in the U.S. to be hospitalized with Covid-19 at a higher rate than anticipated. Felberbaum declined to comment on whether the FDA was investigating a possible connection.
Anna Edney and Angelica LaVito – Bloomberg – March 27, 2020
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