COVID-19, or the coronavirus, has popped up all over the world and has been the focus of international attention. Chinese manufacturers have all but ceased production of vape products. Countries such as South Korea, Italy, Iran, and the United States have reported numerous cases of the coronavirus. Italy went into complete lockdown on March 9, 2020, and it has also affected travel, various conferences, and more. What can you do as a vaper to combat the coronavirus?
Scrutinize the hype
The coronavirus has been dominating news headlines for quite some time. The media has also advised vapers to quit vaping during the coronavirus outbreak as well. The vaping industry has been under fire because of shortages of vaping hardware from China, and the misinformation campaign is also well underway in the United States as well. Due to the panic, people in the United States and elsewhere in the world are stockpiling toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and N95 masks. This is similar to the misinformation spreading about vaping as well.
If you are paying close attention to the coronavirus outbreak, you might also want to examine and question the hype around the disease and how it may affect your vaping experience. It may be simple to draw negative conclusions because of the common link between coronavirus and vaping in that it affects the respiratory system. Public health officials, as well as politicians such as New York City mayor Bill de Blasio, are encouraging people to quit vaping. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding vaping and its effects on coronavirus disease progression or infection rates.
Do not share vapes
This goes without saying—you don’t share food, drinks, or cups with others in public areas, and the same goes for vapes. Coronavirus is transmitted via cough droplets and unsanitary conditions. If you use someone else’s vape, the risk for contracting coronavirus increases especially if they don’t clean their device or if they have been exposed to the coronavirus.
Be more secretive about your vaping
While you may want to let the world know that you vape, there is already scrutiny on vape and the scrutiny on the coronavirus may lead misinformed people who make links between coronavirus and vaping could feed into the spotlight that is already placed on vaping. You might want to vape in the privacy of your own home or indoors (if possible) or outdoors away from others. Some states and localities completely ban indoor vaping; make sure you know your local and state laws regarding whether or not you can vape indoors.
Clean your vape stuff
Clean your devices and clean them as often as you possibly can. Over time, tanks get dirty and so does the point of contact between your mouth and your vape device. Clean those parts especially well (and don’t forget the rest of the parts on your vape device as well). You can use propylene glycol or distilled water on a Q-tip to clean the inside of your tank.
If you are going for a thorough cleaning, you can take apart your device and clean each piece separately in warm water. Let the pieces dry afterward. Just to be safe, you should also clean your eLiquid bottles on a regular basis.
Wash your hands thoroughly
Another thing that should be done regardless of the coronavirus—hand-washing is important, especially if you use a variety of eLiquids or share them with roommates or significant others. Use hand sanitizer and soap to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Have you experienced changes in your own vaping behavior due to the coronavirus? Let us know in the comments below!
14 comments
I have not changed my habits at all.
Actually people are not concerned much anymore about me vaping. They are focused more on the Virus!! Glad I’m off the spot light for awhile anyway
I’m diabetic which puts me in the “high risk” category when it comes to the Coronavirus. I’m always careful and cautious with any virus or infection. I still continue to vape, in the privacy of my own home. I haven’t changed my routine in how I vape. I make sure to keep my drip tips sanitized, especially when I’m sick. NOTE: Menthol/mint/iced flavors do help if you’re suffering from a stuffy nose. Stay safe. 🙂
People need to calm down. There is a 98% Survival rate for those who have come down with Covid-19. It is no more deadly than Influenza. Unless you have a compromised immune system, you should have nothing to worry about. People need to stop pretending that washing their hands is a new trend and continue to do it everyday of their lives!
I’m still vaping as much as before the coronavirus scare, but I heard that the propaline glycol kills microorganisms, so I’m hoping that vaping helps us to NOT get the VIRUS.