User:Gracerohl/sandbox

Overview
Research relating COVID-19 cases to the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) are minimal but experts agree that the effects vary negatively. COVID-19 targets the lungs and respiratory system, as does the inhalation of nicotine products. Research on tobacco use is thorough, and many experts use the damage caused from cigarettes to compare effects of vaping on the lungs. A study done by Stanford Medicine discovered that those who vaped regularly were five times more likely to contract COVID-19 and its symptoms.

COVID-19 Cases Linked to Vaping
While many cases have not been reported with connection to vaping, contracting COVID-19 weakens the lungs, allowing the human body to become more susceptible to long-term damages. As of now, there are not any specific cases or law suits reflecting the dangers of vaping and contracting COVID-19, however scientists have done extensive research to prove that the risk is higher.

In 2019, a disease associated with vaping, EVALI, left a 17 year old male (name not available) in hospital care. Symptoms included worsening shortness of breath, abdominal pain, dry cough, and extreme weight loss for which the patient did not receive care for. Further testing did indicate that the male also smoked cigarettes regularly, therefore contracting a form of SARS Co-V2. The SARS variant that was detected in the patient is now the variant that tests positive for COVID-19. While there is no direct correlation, the patient was put on a breathing ventilator and was isolated. The patient was previously healthy showing no other underlying conditions.

Increasing the Spread
A major factor in the effects of vaping during COVID-19 is the risk of increasing the spread. Many young adults share their vaping devices, leading to cross-contamination and ingestion of particles from another, alike to sharing food or drink. Microscopic water droplets are released after hitting the device and can easily be transferred to another when using that same device. Many college university websites have released informational pages on vaping during COVID-19. These sites state that sharing nicotine devices are believed to be a cause of certain spread, targeted specifically around college towns and housing areas.

Damages
One common damage associated with vaping is "popcorn lungs", or Obliterative bronchiolitis. This causes holes to form in the lungs as an effect of the chemicals inhaled. An issue with obliterative bronchiolitis is that it can be hard to detect, unless your medical provider knows what they're looking for. On an X-ray scan, evidence of inhaling nicotine will show up as cloud-like opacities in the lung area. Prior damage done to the lungs can result in further hospitalization if contracted COVID-19. Research has also proven that if one contracts COVID-19 while vaping daily, they are more likely to be put in the ICU or on a ventilator.