Researchers from Stanford University conducted a cross-sectional survey online of U.S. adolescents (13-24 years old) to assess if e-cigarette and cigarette usage increases the risk of being infected with COVID-19. There were 4,351 respondents to the survey. It was found that past 30 day dual users (use both e-cigarettes and cigarettes only within the last 30 days) were 6.8 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Ever users of e-cigarettes (use only e-cigarettes) were five times more likely to test positive for COVID-19, while ever dual users (use both e-cigarettes and cigarettes) were seven times more likely to test positive for COVID-19.

E-cigarette users and dual users are most likely at higher risk for being infected with COVID-19 because being exposed to nicotine and other chemicals within e-cigarettes has a negative effect on respiratory health, specifically on proper lung functioning. Additionally, the act of sharing e-cigarette devices is common among adolescent e-cigarette users, serving as a potential pathway of infection from one individual to another. Considering that e-cigarette usage is very widespread in the U.S., especially among adolescents, it can be concluded that adolescent e-cigarette usage is further exacerbating the COVID-19 pandemic.