Bad COVID-19 Outcome If You Smoke Or Vape?

Did you know that Florida is a state that has one of the highest rates of hospitalizations for lung injuries related to vaping? A local doctor has put out a warning for those who vape or use tobacco products as it relates to COVID-19.

Dr. Lisa Koche is an internal medicine physician in Tampa and she recently spoke with ABC Action News. She talks about the potential link between vaping and unfavorable COVID-19 outcomes. "Clearly, a smoker or a vaper is going to have a higher incidence – as are my asthmatics that are poorly controlled or other patients with primary lung issues. It is causing things like scarring and inflammation in the lungs, which is the exact same setup of a patient who potentially would have a much worse outcome if they are exposed, and they develop COVID-19."

Statistics show that you are at greater risk of ending up hospitalized from COVID-19 if you have certain health risks or pre-existing conditions. There is also a correclation between age and morbidity rates, but doctors in the U.S. are surprised to see a number of younger, presumably healthy people ending up hospitablized due to COVID-19. Could some of these cases be linked to vaping?

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