Teens who vape are at greater risk for COVID-19

Posted on October 27, 2020

News Release    

For Immediate Release                         Contact:    Aida Byrne    

Date:  October 28, 2020                           Phone:      (315) 941-0358

 

Teens who vape are at greater risk for COVID-19

 

SYRACUSE, NY - Young people who vaped were five to seven times more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than those who did not use e-cigarettes, according to a study of young people who were tested for the virus published in The Journal of Adolescent Health in August 2020. Authors of the study attribute the increased risk to the negative impact on the lungs from vaping.

 

“The U.S. Surgeon General said youth vaping is at epidemic levels, and we agree,” said Gregory Carnevale, M.D., MBA, vice president medical affairs, Medicare and retail markets for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. In 2020, 3.6 million young people in U.S. currently use e-cigarettes, according to a study conducted earlier this year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection. That includes approximately one in five high school students and one in 20 middle school students.

 

“Many young people believe that e-cigarettes are less harmful than other tobacco products, but they’re wrong,” said Carnevale. E-cigarettes can contain dangerous ingredients such as cancer-causing chemicals, chemicals linked to lung disease, heavy metals, ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, and high levels of nicotine.

 

JUUL® is a brand of e-cigarette popular among young people. One study showed that 63 percent of JUUL® users between 15-24 years old didn’t know the product contains nicotine.

 

“It is unsafe for young people to use any product containing nicotine because it is addictive and can harm the developing brain, affecting memory and attention,” said Carnevale. “Some e-cigarette cartridges have a higher concentration of nicotine than an entire pack of cigarettes.”

 

Research shows that e-cigarette use by young people can have other health impacts, including chronic cough, chronic bronchitis and wheezing, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and an increased likelihood of smoking traditional cigarettes.

 

“This new study linking vaping to susceptibility for COVID-19 should be a wake-up call for parents and others to intervene,” said Carnevale.

 

"'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."

 

Resources to help someone quit vaping include their own doctor, the American Lung Association at www.lung.org, the NYS Smoker’s Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), www.SmokeFree.gov, and the website The Truth Initiative at www.truthinitiative.org.

 

Excellus BCBS’s educational infographic, “E-Cigarettes: What You Need to Know About Vaping” is available for free download at https://news.excellusbcbs.com/documents/20152/127259/E-CIGARETTES+-+What+You+Need+to+Know+About+Vaping+-+Poster+%28October+2020%29.pdf/06d94be7-0b1c-c6ad-1a5a-a955e2b1e6e5?t=1602784912722&download=true

 

-30-

 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 3,500 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.

 

 

Other Member News

Broadway in Syracuse
July 26, 2024

TICKETS FOR CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF BOUBLIL AND SCHÖNBERG’S LES MISÉRABLES WILL GO ON SALE JULY 29TH AT 10AM

This reborn dream of a production looks and sounds fresher than ever. Sends shivers of excitement racing down the spine - You emerge feeling stirred and exhilarated.

Logo for Dannible & McKee, LLP
July 25, 2024

Dannible & McKee, LLP Announces the Promotion of 18 Professionals

The commitment to excellence from these 18 professionals is well demonstrated, and we congratulate them on their achievements.

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout
July 24, 2024

Park Strategies Managing Director Featured in syracuse.com Article on New York's Cannabis Industry Rollout

His advocacy, born from an understanding of coalition-building and decision-making, has been influential amid many regulatory challenges.

Forbes Best Employers for Women logo
July 23, 2024

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Recognized by Forbes as One of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024

This award highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where women can thrive and advance their careers.

Ashley McGraw Architects
July 23, 2024

Ashley McGraw Architects Acquires studioMLA Architects, A National Leader in Early Education Design

Founded in 2006, studioMLA Architects is recognized as a national leader in the design of early education facilities along with nature-inspired playscapes for young children.

Mike Becallo
July 23, 2024

Michael Becallo Joins Oswego Health as Community Relations Representative

Originally from Cicero, Becallo is well-routed in CNY and brings over 15 years of healthcare experience.

Kate Weidman, Deputy Executive Director, AURORA of CNY
July 19, 2024

AURORA of CNY Announces Leadership Changes

Weidman will transition into the role of Executive Director following the retirement of current Executive Director Debra Chaiken, ensuring a seamless succession in leadership.

Credit Score 101
July 17, 2024

Credit Score 101 - Everything You Need to Know

Understanding and managing your credit score is a key step towards achieving financial stability and success. 

Larry Bousquet
July 16, 2024

Crouse Health Board of Directors Welcomes Two New Members

The Crouse Health Board of Directors has appointed two new directors.