There are a number of little known risks that come with sharing vapes, particularly bacterial illnesses
People who vape are being warned the habit could be causing some grim health problems they may not realise is due to their device. According to recent figures, nearly 10% of the population in the UK regularly use e-cigarettes – the equivalent of one million Brits.
Many people consider vaping a healthier alternative to smoking, meaning they may not realise the risks that come with it. But there are various side effects to be aware of, particularly if you share a device with your friends or family.
Sharing isn’t always caring and it is recommended to avoid sharing vapes with others wherever possible. With an increased amount of people vaping in the UK, raising awareness around the safety of appropriately handling a vape, especially around sharing, is very important. The experts at Electric Tobacconist have shared their insight into the potential health risks associated with vape sharing.
READ MORE:‘I knew something was seriously wrong when I couldn’t close my eye’
READ MORE: ‘I’m warning other women to do one thing after I got horror diagnosis out of the blue’
Pascal Culverhouse, on behalf of Electric Tobacconist, said: “It is sensible hygiene to not share your vape with other people as this can lead to cross-contamination which could potentially increase the risk of contracting viral infections, serious diseases or posing a significant threat to those with allergies.
“If you’re offered a vape and you don’t feel comfortable sharing, politely tell your friend that you feel uncomfortable doing so. If they continue to push this, simply state that you’re protecting your boundaries and that you don’t want to risk contracting any unwanted bacterial illnesses.”
Health risks associated with sharing a vape
1. Increased risk of being exposed to viral infections
When sharing a vape, you’re increasing your chances of becoming more susceptible to a number of viral infections, such as common colds and flus, but also more serious diseases such as mono and meningitis. Since vapes can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly, it’s very important to regularly keep up the maintenance of your vape, especially reusable box vapes or pens that require coils or filters.
Colds/Flus
Since vaping involves inhaling aerosol which can contain droplets of saliva, it’s no surprise that sharing a vape can increase the risks of transmitting respiratory infections such as colds, flus and even more serious diseases such as Covid-19 and pneumonia.
Mono
While sharing a vape is not the only way to contract mono – also known as the ‘kissing disease’ – it certainly increases the risk, alongside drinking from the same glass, kissing and sharing utensils.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious infection that can be caused by various bacteria and viruses. As sharing a vape can lead to the transfer of saliva from one person to another, this in turn increases the risk of coming into contact with harmful bacteria or viruses.
2. Increased risk of contracting Herpes
While Herpes is known as a sexually transmitted disease, it can also be spread through non-sexual contact through sharing personal items, such as a vape. If you experience any symptoms such as sores, pain or blisters, it’s important to seek a doctor’s advice for a diagnosis.
3. Exposure to higher nicotine levels than you’re used to
For avid vapers, their devices are usually tailored depending on individual tastes and preferences. Since it is possible to change the nicotine strength of a vape, be mindful that the vape you’re sharing will likely be adjusted to a nicotine strength of their liking which as a result may be a higher strength than what you’re used to.
4. Increased risk of being susceptible to food allergies
It is also wise to avoid sharing a vape if you’ve got any form of food allergy, regardless of how minor or severe it may be as sharing a vape can increase the risk of food allergy flares. This is because vape flavours can often contain various additives and flavourings and sharing can expose you to unknown substances, potentially triggering an allergic reaction.
Notably, if someone you’re sharing a vape with has recently eaten something that you are allergic to, it can introduce those allergens into your system. This happens as the allergens from the food are capable of being transferred to the vape and then inhaled, triggering an allergic reaction.
According to the NHS vaping is “not completely risk-free”, but poses a “small fraction of the risk of smoking cigarettes.” However, the long-term risks of vaping are not yet clear.
E-cigarettes do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke. The liquid and vapour contain some potentially harmful chemicals also found in cigarette smoke, but at a much lower level.
