Flu season is underway and e-cigarettes users are at an increased risk for getting sick. Additionally, Houston Methodist physicians say similar symptoms between the flu and e-cigarette vaping acute lung injury (EVALI) could cause confusion.
All smokers, including e-cigarette users, are at increased risk of developing bacterial or viral respiratory infections that cause irritation to bronchial tubes and lungs.
“The flu is a general stress test for the body and in particular the respiratory system. When one’s lungs are already struggling due to inflammation from an infection, vaping will add fuel to the fire and may even create a life-threatening degree of inflammation,” said Timothy Connolly, M.D., pulmonologist with Houston Methodist Hospital.
Connolly also recommends that people who vape get the flu shot, as their habit puts them at greater risk of complications.
EVALI can present with many of the same symptoms that people associate with the flu or lung infections including shortness of breath, cough, decreased exercise tolerance, fever and in severe cases, low blood oxygen levels and even respiratory failure requiring life support.
“Vaping with THC is especially dangerous, likely related to the Vitamin E acetate oil used as the delivery vehicle,” added Connolly.
Connolly says if patients who vape present with flu-like symptoms and there’s no evidence of a virus but chest x-rays show abnormalities, this may signal the development of EVALI. In that case, an early treatment of steroids to fight the inflammation is essential.
According to the CDC, 19 U.S. states, including Texas, are reporting high levels of flu activity and 6 states are reporting moderate activity. A high number of flu cases this season are being caused by the influenza B virus strain, a more severe strain than A. According to the CDC, it has been 15 years since a flu season has started with influenza B.
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