More than 20% of high school students in Mississippi used e-cigarettes last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts believe that rate may increase as students return to school and may experience social pressure to vape. And there's also concern some may start vaping to relieve stress related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. John Gaudet is president of the Mississippi Chapter of the Academy of American Pediatrics. He says young adults who vape are seven times more likely to contract the coronavirus if they get sick.
"Somebody who vapes can actually have an increased chance that they can have an instant infection introduced through their lungs. And that's a concern in the middle of a global pandemic for a respiratory virus," said Gaudet.
The American Lung Association in Mississippi is launching a new comprehensive plan to prevent students from vaping in the first place and assist those who want to quit.
Ashley Lyerly is with the association.
"Very similar to what we would do with adults, in terms of talking with the students about their addiction, talk with them about the health aspects of the products that they're using and then working with them to establish a quit plan," said Lyerly.
Lyerly says they're encouraging schools statewide to join the Vape Free School Initiative. She says remote access to the initiative's programs is available online for students who are learning at home.
