IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL
People who smoke may be more likely to develop serious health complications from COVID-19. Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off viral infections – especially those attacking the lungs, like COVID-19. Additionally, initial findings suggest that vaping may increase lung inflammation and exacerbate lung infections. Need help quitting? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit doh.wa.gov/quit
INFORMATION FOR YOUTH OR PARENTS OF YOUTH
To say that our kids are dealing with a lot right now would be a grave understatement. Between figuring out remote schooling, the uncertainty of schedules and daily life at home, and the rising anxieties over health and safety, the mental well-being of our youth is of pressing concern. And while our inboxes are full of tips and tricks for keeping youth occupied, there are other—perhaps more troubling—issues that may not be getting as much attention.
While it may seem like decades ago, one of the most concerning trends we were seeing at the end of 2019 and beginning of 2020 was the youth vaping epidemic. Washington Healthy Youth Survey results were showing a dramatic spike in youth usage between 2016 and 2018, and the perceived risk associated with frequent use was alarmingly low among 8th and 10th graders in Skagit County.
In the fall of 2019, national media sources began reporting on the growing number of cases of vaping-associated lung disease, and these reports were causing many lawmakers to pursue legislation that would place stricter enforcements on vapor products. On January 1, 2020, Washington State officially raised the legal age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 years of age.
The seriousness of youth tobacco usage has not waned, though we now are living in much different times. If anything, our efforts to push forward with prevention efforts is all the more important now during the COVID-19 pandemic, while youth are grappling with so many new and unprecedented struggles, and may be relying on substances, like tobacco, to cope. Experts are still trying to gauge the impacts of COVID-19 on people using tobacco, but we do know that there is conclusive evidence that smoking weakens the immune system, increases the risk of infectious diseases and respiratory infections, and is a major cause of chronic health conditions and cancer. We also know that there is growing evidence that vaping can harm lung health, and nicotine can be extremely harmful for the brain development of teens and young adults.
For these reasons, parents must be extra vigilant about monitoring the mental health and substance use of their kids. Talking to children about tobacco use can be overwhelming—even without a global crisis taking place! It is best to begin the conversation early on, and continue these messages as they grow up. Expect that your child will have questions, and be prepared to answer these with facts, not fear-driven responses. Remember that parents can have a positive influence on youth’s behavior, so long as the conversation is honest, open and understanding. In order to help guide the conversation, we have created a list of helpful information that can inform your conversations:
- Smoking/vaping and COVID-19
Currently, experts do not yet know if there is a direct correlation between COVID-19 infection and tobacco smoking/vaping. However, this is what the World Health Organization (WHO) has to say:
“Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases. Available research suggests that smokers are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and death. … There is no evidence about the relationship between e-cigarette use and COVID-19. However, existing evidence indicates that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), more commonly referred to as e-cigarettes, are harmful and increase the risk of heart disease and lung disorders. Given that the COVID-19 virus affects the respiratory tract, the hand-to-mouth action of e-cigarette use may increase the risk of infection.”
- Signs of nicotine poisoning and withdrawal in youth
With school campuses closing abruptly and families at home practicing social distancing, some kids may have increased their tobacco use in order to deal with stress, while others may be dealing with withdrawal if they can no longer get access to tobacco products. It is important to be familiar with the signs of both nicotine poisoning (if someone is consuming too much), as well as nicotine withdrawal.
Nicotine poisoning (a.k.a. “Nic-Sick”)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomachache and loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Headache
- Mouth watering
- Quick, heavy breathing
- Dizziness or tremors
- Confusion and anxiety
Nicotine withdrawal
- Having cravings for tobacco products
- Feeling down or sad
- Having trouble sleeping
- Feeling irritable‚ on edge‚ or grouchy
- Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating
- Feeling restless and jumpy
- Having a slower heart rate
- Feeling more hungry or gaining weight
To find out more about the above symptoms, visit resources such as the American Lung Association or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Next steps: Cessation resources
If your child is using tobacco products, the best thing to do is to encourage them to quit, and support them throughout their journey. There are a host of resources available to youth dealing with tobacco dependence, many of which are free and easy to use without having to leave the house! Here are some great resources:
- WA DOH 2Morrow: a free app to help teens and young adults quit vaping or smoking. There is also free cessation counseling for tobacco and vaping or marijuana dependency available
- SmokeFreeTeen: free app services and texting services available for smoking, vaping, smokeless tobacco cessation
- The Truth Initiative’s This Is Quitting program: text DitchJUUL to 88709 for free vape cessation support
Lastly, it is important to take care of yourself if you or your child smokes or vapes and is trying to quit.
- Parents can text QUIT to (202) 899-7550 to sign up to receive text messages designed specifically for parents of vapers, and can find a community of support at BecomeAnEX.org.
- Visit Smokefree.gov for a list of specialized free programs to help you quit smoking. Programs include: Veterans, Women, Moms,Teens, 60+, Spanish and others. Text, chat, and and a variety of other free supports available.
Want other “Talking Points” from Skagit County Public Health? Visit our webpage here!