Vaping Cures the Flu

[Jman8]

I titled this thread purposively. But here is link to news article I heard about in recent days

Doctors warn vaping could make you more vulnerable to the flu

Which from my google search is kinda old news. But I honestly just heard about it in last few days.

Anyway, my experience is the opposite. Though I'd possibly be willing to concede that it makes one more susceptible, but does actually cure the symptoms.

I'd say a good 30 times in the last decade (possibly much more) I've had the experience of feeling like I'm coming down with a cold/flu. At my age, I consider it a very familiar feeling and one that prior to vaping, would've lead me to experiencing a cold for 3 to 5 days. With vaping in the picture, I'll get that feeling, vape a little bit more than normal, and by the evening of day 1, I no longer have the feeling I'm about to get a cold. The next day, I'll be back to normal. Now, I'd say 80% of those times, it was likely just faint feeling of "I may be getting a cold." Nothing substantial, but again a feeling that I'm familiar with, and one that I think at least half the time prior to vaping, I still would've gotten a cold. The other 20% were times where I was sniffling, sneezing, coughing and running a fever, and by the evening, I'm saying it all went away. And the next day, I was at normal health with no symptoms.

In the last decade, I have had colds that did last 2 to 5 days. I've had I think around 5 (maybe less). Prior to vaping, I averaged 3 a year (if not more), now I average less than 1 a year.

I very much wonder if this is true with other vapers? If anything in the above 2 paragraphs has been true in your experience.

If yes, one would think that is an ENORMOUS BENEFIT with regards to vaping. And one that may never make it into mainstream news, but is still something I don't think we ought to be shy about saying.

 

[ceeceeisme]

Vaping 3 years - zero colds or flu.

When I smoked I usually got 2 or 3 colds per winter and had the flu once every 5 or 6 years.

 

[Rossum]

Colds and the flu are very different animals, but...

My experience is similar. While smoking I could count on getting several colds per year, and most of them would crawl into my chest after a few days and hang out there for a week or more. Going on six years of vaping now and I've had exactly one. I caught that one at a trade show in Europe where I shook hands with a zillion people. It was very minor until after I spent 9 hours in plane coming home, in zero humidity and unable to vape. But even that one didn't go down in my chest.

I've also woken up on a number of occasions with that feeling in the back of the throat was previously a sure sign of one coming on. Always gone within a few hours of getting out of bed and starting to vape.

As for the flu, the last time I had that was 28 years ago. I know it exactly because my wife and I both came down with it and she was pregnant with our son, which caused us some concern. True flu is quite different than a cold.

 

[bombastinator]

That particular thing assumes you were not already a smoker. My memory is that what it really says is
“PG might possibly (though we don’t actually know) make you more vulnerable to the flu if you’re a mouse and have never smoked cigarettes”

the issue is that in mouse studies they saw higher levels of some lipids in lung cells when the mice were exposed to 24/7 PG vapor. They don’t know why or how, they don’t know what effect this might have. They speculate that this might mean that the fluid normally coating the lungs might change which in turn may cause decreased resistance to some airborne pathogens.

Cigarettes however are well known to do all sorts of other worse things to your lungs, so using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation is still a lot better than smoking airborne pathogen resistance wise, though it might maybe be worse than not using anything at all if you happen to be a mouse.

 

[Bigbob2322]

I have had the flu for a couple of weeks very bad flu.

 

[Mordacai]

@Jman8, with all the chemicals from Tobacco combustion and an individuals biochemistry it's no wonder that our immune systems are compromised somewhat.

But as a lot of us vapers have experienced an increase in immune system function due to ditching 1000's of chemicals in favour of VG, PG, Nicotine and for some flavorings and sweeteners.

I know for definite that I have been ill less often and for shorter periods of time since I changed to vaping, but sometimes some pathogen comes along and really does a number on you. But that's the nature of them.

 

[kates]

I've had a couple of mild colds since staring vaping (coming up to 7 years) and no coughs. I vape very high PG - 90%+. I have also at times thought I was coming down with something , but didn't materialise. About 10 weeks into full time vaping I did have what I refer to as 'quit flu' - not as severe as real flu but same symptoms. Lasted a couple of days, nothing since.

 

[Jebbn]

2yrs vaping, zero colds or flu's.
Previous to vaping and quitting tobacco I would get every flu and would get a couple of colds each winter.
I think the difference is that for the last 5yrs of smoking I was really sick and my natural defenses were severely compromised. Now Im fit and healthy.
I have no reference for how I would be not smoking and not vaping vs never smoking and never vaping. The last time I was a non smoker non vaper was 42yrs ago and a kid.

 

[Iron Molly]

Vaping for 9 years, 3 colds, no flu. I rarely get sick anymore, and no bronchitis or cough if I do. Ditto no sinus infections. Isn't there something about PG being germaphobic?

Found this: THE BACTERICIDAL ACTION OF PROPYLENE GLYCOL VAPOR ON MICROORGANISMS SUSPENDED IN AIR : II. THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS FACTORS ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE VAPOR

 

[Jman8]

Colds and the flu are very different animals, but...

I think I agree with this, but...

My experience is similar. While smoking I could count on getting several colds per year, and most of them would crawl into my chest after a few days and hang out there for a week or more. Going on six years of vaping now and I've had exactly one. I caught that one at a trade show in Europe where I shook hands with a zillion people. It was very minor until after I spent 9 hours in plane coming home, in zero humidity and unable to vape. But even that one didn't go down in my chest.

I've also woken up on a number of occasions with that feeling in the back of the throat was previously a sure sign of one coming on. Always gone within a few hours of getting out of bed and starting to vape.

As for the flu, the last time I had that was 28 years ago. I know it exactly because my wife and I both came down with it and she was pregnant with our son, which caused us some concern. True flu is quite different than a cold.

I notice you didn't explain the difference, in terms of your experience, with the flu and colds.

The real thing I think to be the takeaway from this thread, is that vaping cures cold symptoms, and plausibly could cure the (true) flu. At the very least, it seems to prevent colds and/or the flu. But as is the case with most anything on earth, it's hard to say that with 100% certainty. And yet many so far on this thread have confirmed that as a truism.

 

[Jman8]

I have had the flu for a couple of weeks very bad flu.

That stinks. Sorry to hear that. I thank you for sharing your experience, even while it is contrary to what I was hoping in other people's responses. Though, I guess if everyone reported not having the flu (or colds) while vaping, it would be miraculous.

 

[Jebbn]

Vaping for 9 years, 3 colds, no flu. I rarely get sick anymore, and no bronchitis or cough if I do. Ditto no sinus infections. Isn't there something about PG being germaphobic?

Found this: THE BACTERICIDAL ACTION OF PROPYLENE GLYCOL VAPOR ON MICROORGANISMS SUSPENDED IN AIR : II. THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS FACTORS ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE VAPOR

I dont use PG, I only use VG.
I think it was pre 1900's when it was discovered that there were antibacterial properties in VG. I could use google to verify it, I guess. Feeling kinda lazy though.
Seem to remember reading it not only kills germs/bacteria/mold etc but can also kill a body's cells. So, yeah, thats exciting. I read that in a paper from the early 1900's, I think, way pre antivaping dayz.

Ive always wondered about how PG and VG can kill or prevent bacteria from spreading. It always struck me that something like that would have to be a bit of a double edged sword. Its going to work as effectively at wiping out some good stuff as it does wiping out some of the bad stuff.

 

[Jman8]

@Jman8, with all the chemicals from Tobacco combustion and an individuals biochemistry it's no wonder that our immune systems are compromised somewhat.

But as a lot of us vapers have experienced an increase in immune system function due to ditching 1000's of chemicals in favour of VG, PG, Nicotine and for some flavorings and sweeteners.

I know for definite that I have been ill less often and for shorter periods of time since I changed to vaping, but sometimes some pathogen comes along and really does a number on you. But that's the nature of them.

Something I got from what you expressed, though you clearly aren't saying this, is what my experiences were like when I was a non-smoker (after quitting cold turkey). My colds were actually worse in some ways than when I was a smoker. Better on some fronts, like less coughing, but worse on the fronts of changes in mental health (or prowess) and in how recovery from the cold worked, in my experience. I actually think of it as a benefit (albeit a bit backwards) that recovery from a cold as a smoker means you can get back to smoking with a lot less coughing. As in the idea of smoking in an enjoyable way is motivating factor to being fully healed from the cold. Without that, as I experienced, the cold would seem to hang on a bit more. I actually think I'm expressing something highly pertinent to being an addict with just about anything. That there is a benefit that is extremely downplayed because of the inherent, and enormous, benefit it contains towards moving through life when obstacles are present. In this case, the obstacle would be a cold. I think smokers are generally tougher personalities. I personally felt way more soft and borderline pathetic as an ex-smoker trying to overcome a cold than I did as a smoker trying to do the same.

But what you did convey is that the multitude of chemicals from tobacco combustion did compromise our biochemistry. So as an ex-smoker, I was arguably set back from overcoming the cold due to my previous experience as a smoker. I think this deserves further dissertation, though I doubt many could do it without thinking of smoking as inherently bad. I know I could, but I doubt many others could.

I'd also just note that the last time I quit cold-turkey, and prior to be a vaper, I was getting migraines galore. This occurred a good year (maybe 2) after I had stopped. I found returning to nicotine (as a smoker) alleviated the migraines big time. Then shortly after that vaping stepped into my life. I did get a nasty type of bug in last part of year 2 of vaping that made it impossible to vape (hurt my throat too much) and yet smoking was still an option (only slightly hurt my throat). I've not had that experience since.

 

[Jman8]

Vaping for 9 years, 3 colds, no flu. I rarely get sick anymore, and no bronchitis or cough if I do. Ditto no sinus infections. Isn't there something about PG being germaphobic?

Found this: THE BACTERICIDAL ACTION OF PROPYLENE GLYCOL VAPOR ON MICROORGANISMS SUSPENDED IN AIR : II. THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS FACTORS ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE VAPOR

Your vaping experience seems to mirror mine. Which I'd call wonderful news.

But the link you shared is what I do sometimes refer to, or I'll say that PG is (or was) used in hospitals to sanitize the air. I'd think that if there is a science to what this thread is claiming (that vaping cures the flu, or helps stave off colds), it is the PG (or VG) factor at work. Such that vaping would seemingly be a good thing for everyone to do, and that the nicotine is not necessary, for anyone. But of course, some of us are going to choose to vape the nic as well.

I'd also admit to my concerns I have with quitting vaping. Sounds somewhat wonderful to never vape again, but less so if it means I'll get sick 3+ times annually, and possibly more, due to biochemistry being compromised via years of smoking, followed by years of vaping.

In general, the reason I started this thread is because my experience with vaping is such that I truly think a benefit of vaping in preventing colds, ought to be touted. I doubt it will in today's political climate, but at least we now have a record that other vapers are saying similar things. Lots of colds when a smoker (or ex-smoker) and virtually none now as a vaper. Again, I think that ought to be studied, earnestly. But I highly doubt the scientist types who detest smoking are going to come to any favorable conclusions regarding benefits of vaping without downplaying those benefits. IOW, I think they'd be unreasonable with their hypothesis, their research, and their conclusions.

 

[Iron Molly]

Your vaping experience seems to mirror mine. Which I'd call wonderful news.

But the link you shared is what I do sometimes refer to, or I'll say that PG is (or was) used in hospitals to sanitize the air. I'd think that if there is a science to what this thread is claiming (that vaping cures the flu, or helps stave off colds), it is the PG (or VG) factor at work. Such that vaping would seemingly be a good thing for everyone to do, and that the nicotine is not necessary, for anyone. But of course, some of us are going to choose to vape the nic as well.

I'd also admit to my concerns I have with quitting vaping. Sounds somewhat wonderful to never vape again, but less so if it means I'll get sick 3+ times annually, and possibly more, due to biochemistry being compromised via years of smoking, followed by years of vaping.

In general, the reason I started this thread is because my experience with vaping is such that I truly think a benefit of vaping in preventing colds, ought to be touted. I doubt it will in today's political climate, but at least we now have a record that other vapers are saying similar things. Lots of colds when a smoker (or ex-smoker) and virtually none now as a vaper. Again, I think that ought to be studied, earnestly. But I highly doubt the scientist types who detest smoking are going to come to any favorable conclusions regarding benefits of vaping without downplaying those benefits. IOW, I think they'd be unreasonable with their hypothesis, their research, and their conclusions.

I also should mention that I don't even inhale anymore, I'm mouth to exhale, through mouth or nose. And I still don't get the colds.

 

[Jman8]

Ive always wondered about how PG and VG can kill or prevent bacteria from spreading. It always struck me that something like that would have to be a bit of a double edged sword. Its going to work as effectively at wiping out some good stuff as it does wiping out some of the bad stuff.

I can't think of anything on the planet that isn't a double edged sword. I've tried, and so far have come up with nothing. But like anything that is said to cure, the benefits are going to be seen as outweighing the potential detriments. Not having colds for many years outweighs the potential of wiping out good stuff in my system that is seemingly not posing any problems in my life, currently.

 

[Rossum]

I notice you didn't explain the difference, in terms of your experience, with the flu and colds.

Influenza virus will almost always produce a substantial fever and muscle aches. If a cold produces a fever or muscle aches at all, they be mild at best.

 

[Jman8]

Influenza virus will almost always produce a substantial fever and muscle aches. If a cold produces a fever or muscle aches at all, they be mild at best.

It honestly reads like a mild difference.

In my experience, the muscle aches and fevers were commonplace in whatever cold/illness I got. And for the most part were not that bad. Not wonderful, for sure, but not that bad. It was the nausea that I found the worst, coupled with mental stuff that amounted to lack of motivation to do anything other than lie around and have enormous pity on myself. Plus there's the abnormal hours, as in up at 6 am, back asleep by 9 am, then up at 2 pm, back asleep at 7 pm, then up at midnight, and asleep at 3 am, and up again at 6 am. But it wouldn't be 6 am the next day. It would be more like 5 am, and all other wake/sleep times would be different. But I do recall watching multiple episodes of Gilligan's Island always made perfect sense as best thing to do while having a cold. Didn't heal me physically, but mentally, it helped at least a little!

 

[Jebbn]

I can't think of anything on the planet that isn't a double edged sword. I've tried, and so far have come up with nothing. But like anything that is said to cure, the benefits are going to be seen as outweighing the potential detriments. Not having colds for many years outweighs the potential of wiping out good stuff in my system that is seemingly not posing any problems in my life, currently.

Eating a lot of broccoli might make you a gas bomb but thats the extent of it being a double edged sword, its all health and vitality after that, unless you have hypothyroidism.
Not everything is a double edged sword. Far from it.

 

[bombastinator]

I think I agree with this, but...



I notice you didn't explain the difference, in terms of your experience, with the flu and colds.

The real thing I think to be the takeaway from this thread, is that vaping cures cold symptoms, and plausibly could cure the (true) flu. At the very least, it seems to prevent colds and/or the flu. But as is the case with most anything on earth, it's hard to say that with 100% certainty. And yet many so far on this thread have confirmed that as a truism.

I think the takeaway from this is that an unconfirmed minimal shoestring “study” isn’t a conclusive anything.