Sharing your electronic cigarette, a risky gesture for your health

in collaboration with

Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)

For some, it has become so common that lending it can seem natural. Be careful, this practice presents risks. Good habits should be known if you want to use an electronic cigarette that does not belong to you.

High exposure to viral infections

Beyond the loan of the vape, you could well inherit germs at the same time. As Dr Gérald Kierzek points out: “Sharing an electronic cigarette can promote the transmission of viruses and bacteria between users, particularly through saliva..

Viruses exhaled through the mouth are found on e-cigarettes. Colds, flu or even COVID can therefore be easily transmitted via this vector. And if the consumer is a person at risk of serious illness, he or she may contract an illness such as pneumonia.

There are also other types of infections that are very contagious through saliva such as mononucleosis, also called “kissing disease”. By extension, meningitis, which is transmitted by droplets of respiratory secretions propelled by breathing, speaking, sneezing, coughing, etc. could potentially be transmitted in this way. These two diseases can be very serious if they are not treated in time, especially in already weakened individuals.

Beware of herpes!

There are two types of herpes or rather two types of Herpes simplex virus.

• Type 1 (HSV-1) is spread by oral contact and causes infections in or around the mouth (orofacial/labial herpes or cold sores). It can also cause genital herpes. Most adults carry HSV-1.
• Type 2 (HSV-2) is transmitted through sexual contact and causes genital herpes.

When a person in the middle of a herpetic outbreak (the famous cold sore) puts their lips on something, the risk of transmission is present. In someone who has never contracted the virus, exchanging an electronic cigarette is enough for a primary infection.

Fortunately, this infection is mostly benign, but it is debilitating during recurrences and can sometimes have serious consequences, particularly on the fetus during pregnancy or on the brain in the event of rare complications. It is important to treat herpes as soon as the first symptoms appear.

A gateway to nicotine addiction

Finally, borrowing an electronic cigarette from someone means consuming the same dose of nicotine as that of the owner (if he uses e-liquids with nicotine). And if the latter is a heavy smoker, you will be blasted at a high dose with a greater risk of addiction depending on the dose consumed. A non-smoker could thus become dependent on nicotine and feel its effects. In addition, the fruity and sweet tastes are there to increase the pleasure felt when using the electronic cigarette and create dependence.

And these risks should not be minimized. Dr. Gérald Kierzek specifies: “Lending your e-cigarette to a non-smoker exposes them to the addictive effects of nicotine. Even occasional use can create dependence, especially among young people.” There’s no question of getting started when you’re not a smoker!

Finally, you expose yourself to a “legal” risk since it is prohibited to sell or give vaping products to minors. Lending your e-cigarette to a minor could therefore be considered illegal. Mistrust…

Advice for loaning a vaping machine

If you decide, despite everything, to lend your e-cigarette, follow the advice of Dr Gérald Kierzek:

1. Clean the tip thoroughly before and after use;
2. Use a disposable tip if possible;
3. Explain the correct operation of the device;
4. Make sure the person is an adult and informed of the risks.