Flu-like symptoms, sometimes referred to as “dip flu,” can occur in individuals who vape. These symptoms are not caused by a viral infection, but rather by the body’s reaction to nicotine or other components in e-liquids.
Understanding Flu-Like Symptoms from Vaping
Flu-like symptoms from vaping are often linked to nicotine exposure, either from withdrawal or, less commonly, from excessive intake. Nicotine is an addictive substance affecting the brain’s chemical balance. When nicotine intake suddenly stops or is significantly reduced, the body reacts to its absence.
Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, body aches, irritability, trouble concentrating, and a sore throat. These reactions occur as the brain adjusts to the sudden drop in dopamine levels. In rarer instances, consuming too much nicotine (nicotine overdose or poisoning) can also lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and stomach cramps.
How Long Flu-Like Symptoms from Vaping Typically Last
The duration of flu-like symptoms from vaping varies among individuals, typically lasting from a few days to several weeks. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms commonly begin within 4 to 24 hours after the last nicotine use. Symptoms tend to peak around the second or third day.
Symptoms generally fade over the following days to three or four weeks. Factors influencing this timeline include individual physiology, the amount and frequency of nicotine consumed, and overall health. Continued vaping, especially with high nicotine concentrations, can lead to ongoing or more frequent symptoms. Some research suggests that while most physical withdrawal symptoms return to baseline within 10 days, emotional and mental challenges can persist for several weeks or months.
Managing Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing flu-like symptoms from vaping often involves supportive care. Staying well-hydrated helps with symptoms like dry throat or headache. Getting adequate rest allows the body to recover and adjust to changes in nicotine levels. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, reduce headaches and body aches.
Avoiding further nicotine exposure is recommended to allow the body to recover and minimize the recurrence of symptoms. If symptoms are severe or persistent, consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice and strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal is beneficial. They can offer guidance on nicotine replacement therapies or other cessation aids.
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen, last significantly longer than a few weeks, or include severe pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe nicotine poisoning signs like seizures or loss of consciousness. These signs could indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), requiring prompt medical evaluation.