Two new Covid strains have been driving a spike in cases in recent weeks
Health experts have issued a warning to anyone who vapes, stating they could be particularly susceptible to infection as two new Covid strains trigger a wave of cases across the UK. The new Covid variants, dubbed Nimbus and Stratus, have been fuelling a surge in cases across Britain recently, with hospitals witnessing an increase in admissions and more individuals reporting symptoms such as sore throats, fatigue, and coughs.
According to the most recent data from the UK Health Security Agency, there were 3,049 reported cases of Covid in the week leading up to 1 October, marking a week-on-week rise of 19 per cent. The latest weekly figures for deaths associated with Covid in England reveal another 87 fatalities, while 2,077 individuals were admitted to hospital.
As the colder months draw near, health authorities are urging people to exercise caution in crowded areas and to stay at home if they feel unwell. Those testing positive are advised to self-isolate for five days to prevent further spread of the virus.
Keith Rochfor, Assistant Professor at the School of Biotechnology at Dublin City University, has highlighted that those who vape could be particularly at risk. He explained that the lining inside the lungs needs to remain robust to fend off infections, but is constantly under strain from pollution and infection, reports Chronicle Live.
He explained: “Vaping can add another layer of strain, and growing evidence shows that this extra pressure can damage the surface that makes every breath possible. The cloud from an e-cigarette carries solvents such as propylene glycol, flavouring chemicals, nicotine (in most products) and even trace metals from the device itself. When this cocktail reaches the lungs, it doesn’t stay on the surface. It seeps deeper, irritating the endothelium – the thin layer of cells lining the blood vessels that mesh with the air sacs.”
Prof. Rochfor added: “Healthy endothelium keeps blood flowing smoothly, discourages unnecessary clotting and acts as a selective gatekeeper for the bloodstream – controlling which substances, such as nutrients, hormones and immune cells, can pass in or out of the blood vessels while blocking harmful or unnecessary ones. Studies show vaping can disrupt these defences, causing endothelial dysfunction even in young, otherwise healthy people.”
The professor explained that vaping with Covid creates a ‘perfect storm’ for inflammation in the body. He said: “Both vaping and Covid drive inflammation. Vaping irritates and inflames the blood-vessel lining while Covid floods the lungs with pro-inflammatory molecules. Together they create a ‘perfect storm’: capillaries become leaky, fluid seeps into the air sacs and oxygen struggles to cross the blood–air barrier. Covid also raises the risk of blood clots in the lung’s vessels, while vaping has been linked to the same, compounding the danger.”
He added: “Vaping can also hinder recovery after a bout of Covid. Healing the fragile exchange surface requires every bit of support the lungs can get. Vaping adds extra stress to tissues the virus has already damaged, even if the vaper feels no immediate symptoms. The result can be prolonged breathlessness, persistent fatigue and a slower return to pre-illness activity levels.”
Marc Effron at Legacy Healing Center highlighted that the combination of vaping and infection from the new variants could make it much harder for the lungs to heal and could even leave long-term damage. Effron said: “Vaping already puts significant stress on the lungs. But when you add a respiratory virus like Covid, particularly with these new strains that seem to linger longer in the airways, it becomes a dangerous mix. Your lungs are trying to fight off inflammation and repair tissue damage, while vaping keeps adding new irritation and chemicals into the equation.”
He further added: “The new variants such as Nimbus and Stratus appear to infect the upper and lower airways more efficiently. If those airways are already irritated or inflamed from vaping, the body struggles to clear the virus. The result can be more severe illness, prolonged cough, or lingering breathlessness.”
He said some vapers report lengthier recovery periods after contracting Covid, even when their initial infection wasn’t severe. The combination of inflamed tissue and reduced oxygen exchange can result in persistent fatigue, a slower return to normal breathing, and symptoms that mimic long Covid.
He added: “Even after the virus is gone, your lungs need all the help they can get to repair. But vaping keeps interrupting that process. It’s like trying to repaint a wall while someone’s still throwing dust at it.”
Medical experts in the UK have noted that the new Covid strains have brought back familiar symptoms such as sore throats and hoarse voices, but they are also seeing a rise in lingering respiratory issues amongst those with existing lung irritation or habits like vaping.
Effron continued: “It’s not just about avoiding serious illness. It’s about giving your lungs a fair chance to recover. Every puff delays that healing a little bit more.”
The UK Health Security Agency recently said the Nimbus (NB. 1.8.1) and Stratus (XFG) variants are now spreading rapidly. Whilst there’s no evidence they cause more severe disease, their high transmissibility means more people are getting sick and therefore more opportunities for lung complications to arise.
Effron explained: “Think of it this way. Your lungs are already fighting off one attacker, which is Covid. Don’t give them another opponent in the form of vapour chemicals. Even if it feels harmless, it’s like adding fuel to a fire that’s already burning. If you’ve recently had Covid, or you’re coughing and feeling winded, that’s the time to stop vaping, at least temporarily. It gives your lungs space to heal. You might even find your breathing feels clearer within weeks.”
He added: “Just because you don’t feel the damage today doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. With these new variants spreading, your lungs are working overtime. The best thing you can do for them is stop adding to the strain.”
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