A doctor has warned against a modern habit that could see you catch norovirus, as cases in the UK are currently double the five-year average. The UKHSA has warned that two strains of norovirus are now circulating in the UK, with 3million people forecast to fall ill this year.
The virus is deeply unpleasant and is putting thousands of people in hospital. Norovirus is a serious infection that is found in stools or vomit and can be transmitted to food, water, and surfaces by the hands of infected people. If someone infected with norovirus uses a vape, their saliva can transfer viral particles onto the mouthpiece. When another person uses the same vape, they may ingest the virus. Handling a vape that has been used by an infected person can transfer viral particles to the hands, which can then be ingested when touching the mouth, nose, or food.
Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP and GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness, said: “I would not recommend sharing vapes as this can expose you to a number of diseases and viruses, especially with rising cases of norovirus. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea and can be transferred from person to person through saliva found on the vape from the person with the virus.”
Since vaping involves inhaling aerosol, which can contain droplets of saliva, 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. In order to limit your chances of catching a viral infection during the colder months, it’s very important to avoid sharing a vape, even with close friends.
Experts atElectric Tobacconist have also warned that sharing vapes can increase the risk of spreading and catching mono, meningitis and herpes.
A spokesman said: “Not only can sharing a vape increase the risk of contracting viral infections, but it can also increase the 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.”
Dr Patel said: “Sharing with friends may also mean you are getting higher doses of nicotine than you’re used to. If you choose to vape, I would recommend keeping yourself healthy and safe by using your own personalised vape and keeping it clean with proper maintenance to reduce these risks.”
It is also wise to avoid sharing a vape if you’ve got any form of food allergy as sharing 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.
Dr Patel said: “If you have allergies, I would recommend looking into the ingredients in your vape, especially when sharing, as some vape products may mimic the flavours of food or desserts may contain traces of allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten.”
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.
Pascal Culverhouse, a spokesperson from Electric Tobacconist, said: “To keep your reusable vape clean and safe, regularly rinse the tank and mouthpiece with warm water to prevent bacterial buildup. For deeper cleans, use mild soap. For disposable vapes, store them in a cool, dry place and avoid extreme temperatures to maintain performance. Regularly clean the mouthpiece with a cloth or alcohol wipe and avoid sharing to prevent the spread of germs.”