Health experts have issued an urgent warning to vapers as two new Covid strains, Nimbus and Stratus, drive a fresh wave of infections across the UK. Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows 3,049 reported cases in the week to 1 October, a 19 per cent week-on-week increase. Hospital admissions rose to 2,077, with 87 deaths recorded in England.
Keith Rochfort, Assistant Professor at Dublin City University, warned that vapers could be particularly vulnerable. He explained that vaping damages the endothelium, the thin layer of cells lining blood vessels in the lungs, impairing its ability to fight infection. 'Both vaping and Covid drive inflammation,' he said, creating a 'perfect storm' that can lead to leaky capillaries, fluid in the air sacs, and reduced oxygen exchange.
Marc Effron from Legacy Healing Centre added that combining vaping with the new variants could hamper lung healing and cause lasting damage. 'Your lungs are trying to fight off inflammation and repair tissue damage, while vaping keeps adding new irritation and chemicals,' he said. The new strains appear to infect airways more efficiently, potentially leading to more severe illness and prolonged recovery.
Health authorities urge the public to exercise caution in crowded areas, stay home if unwell, and self-isolate for five days if testing positive. Vapers are advised to consider quitting to reduce their risk of severe outcomes from Covid-19.
