Vaping increases susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, study finds

The University of California, Riverside study showed that vapers are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to e-cigarette aerosols. Nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin in e-liquids enhance COVID-19 infection. Adding benzoic acid to e-liquids can prevent this. The study used airway stem cells to simulate infection and found increased ACE2 and TMPRSS2 with nicotine exposure. Vapers are advised to stop vaping or use acidic e-liquids with benzoic acid to reduce susceptibility. The FDA could use these findings for e-cigarette regulations.