Both the nicotine in the vapour as well as some flavourings appear to increase key proteins which help the virus attach to, and enter, lung cells.
Cigarette smokers may be more susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the virus that leads to COVID-19.
However, what was unclear is if e-cigarette users may also have a higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 than non-smokers, or how nicotine and/or flavourings might be involved.
“We’re trying to help educate people. If they have an increased risk of infection, it’s important that they know so they can mitigate it, if they want to,” said Dr Ween. “We may then be able to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and thus the number of people with severe disease.”
The researchers found that exposing healthy lung tissue to e-cigarette vapour increased activity of key enzymes that helps the virus enter the lung cells.
The research team also found that nicotine-free flavourings, as well as flavourless nicotine e-liquids, both appear to increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
“What this means is, if you’re an e-cigarette user, you may be at an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection,” said Dr Ween. “So, it may be worthwhile for users to take extra precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the virus, particularly if they have risk-factors for more severe COVID-19 as well.”