KOTA BARU: The state government has advised the public, especially young adults to stop using e-cigarettes or vape as they could face a much higher risk of getting Covid-19.
State Government, Health and Housing Committee chairman Dr Izani Husin said based on surveys, young people who used e-cigarettes are five times more likely to be diagnosed with Covid-19.
"Those who use e-cigarettes plus conventional cigarettes are seven times more likely to be infected than those who do not use e-cigarettes.
"Therefore, we must love ourselves and our families by stopping cigarettes or vape.
"I also would like to urge the public especially young people to support the awareness campaigns to stop using vape in conjunction with the 2021 World Without Tobacco Day," he said.
It is learnt that vape is among the favourite e-cigarettes used by teenagers and young adults in Kelantan over the years.
There is sufficient evidence that smoking worsens the outcome of Covid-19 with several universities especially those overseas, having come out with their studies.
Several studies from China suggest smokers are at risk of severe covid-19 illness that may require admission to the intensive care unit and the use of mechanical ventilation.
Another study from Hong Kong showed that people are most infectious one to two days prior to developing symptoms when viral shedding is highest. Hence the rationale for face masks even if one is asymptomatic.
A study led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine showed that teenagers and young adults who vape, face a much higher risk of Covid-19 than their peers who do not vape.
From an experts point of view, smokers and those who vape could have higher chances of contracting Covid-19, contributing to the spread of the virus and developing severe lung illnesses.