How Does COVID-19 Affect Vaping Business

Unless you have been living under a rock the past few months you have probably heard about COVID-19, or the coronavirus.

This current pandemic causes mild symptoms for most, but for a few unfortunate souls they may encounter more serious symptoms, and perhaps even death.

There are some who say that vaping could increase the risk of developing these severe symptoms, but is this correct? How will this pandemic affect the vaping industry as a whole?

Does Vaping Increase The Risk Of COVID-19?

There have been some sensationalist headlines in the tabloids stating that vapers that could be spreading the virus through the vapour, but this has been debunked by experts.

What is clear is that both smoking and vaping can increase the likelihood of suffering more severe coronavirus symptoms.

It has been discovered that those who suffer from smoking-related diseases like obstructive pulmonary disease have raised the death rate for coronavirus.

Research has also found that smokers have higher levels of the ACE2 enzyme, with these extra entry points making smokers more susceptible to infection.

Both smoking and vaping can lower your lung’s immune response, which will leave you more vulnerable to infection in general.

In a study on vaping, it was shown that e-cigarettes can disrupt an important lipid layer found in your lungs. This causes pathogens to be trapped, which can leave you more at risk of infection.

Other research has found that the vapour found in e-cigs can weaken cilia. These are tiny hair-like projections that clear your lungs of mucus and pathogens.

Are Vape Shops Still Open?

While restaurants, gyms and leisure centres have been closed while the general public have been placed under lockdown, many vape shops have been allowed to stay open.

This is because they have been deemed necessary to prevent people relapsing to smoking. Cigarettes are still available to the public, as the supermarkets have remained open during this crisis.

Although many vape shops are still open, flavour testing and demo testing have had to cease for now.

You can still go into the vape shop to set up your vape devices, and to ensure your safety, extra sanitisation, cleansing and practicing good hygiene will be undertaken.

Staff will need to sanitise thoroughly after various tasks, including the beginning of each shift, and before and after handling any stock.

All points of human contact will also be cleaned and wiped down regularly and thoroughly, so all counter tops and door handles will be clean when you visit.

To reduce the risks of contracting COVID-19 you should also consider the following practices yourself:

•   Disinfect your own equipment

•   Wash your hands thoroughly and often

•   Don’t share your vape with others

•   Look after your general health. A strong immune system will find it easier to fight off infection, so try to eat healthily, drink plenty of water, get regular exercise, and try to get a good night sleep

Other Options To Buy Vape Products

If you are worried about leaving your home during the coronavirus outbreak then there are options available to you. 

Those with access to the internet will be able to order their supplies online with a few clicks.

This will ensure you are getting what you need while remaining safe from the virus.

Conclusion

COVID-19 will affect the vaping business, and while vaping and smoking may increase the risk of developing more severe symptoms there is nothing to stop you from continuing vaping.

Many vape shops are still open, and the new measures that have been put in place will ensure your safety while you buy. If you are afraid of venturing out then you could always opt for online orders as well.