Covid19 (Coronavirus) Hookah Hygiene Tips

Hello Dear Kaloud Tribe!

We recognize the challenging period we're all going through right now and for many there are questions that remain unanswered, and which may not be answered for some time to come.  

In order to help, in whatever small way we can, we've developed this short list of Hookah Hygiene Tips and relevant information:

1.  TRY NOT TO SHARE HOOKAH

You finally have an excuse to keep it all to yourself!  Joking aside, if possible, during your sessions, try not to share the same Hookah with anyone else.  While it is great to have a separate hose, or a disposable hose, there is still the possibility that the virus can be pushed into the base during a purge of stale smoke only to be drawn back up again by the next user.¹   

2.  ONLY USE CLEAN EQUIPMENT

Keep your own equipment as clean as possible.  To that end, one of the best disinfectants is Hydrogen Peroxide because it will not damage the finish on your metal or silicone parts², however you can also use a solution of 4 teaspoons bleach per 1 quart of water,³ or Isopropyl Alcohol solutions with at least 70 percent alcohol⁴.  (Please note that both bleach and Isopropyl Alcohol may discolor or damage your equipment with use over time).   

3.  MAKE SURE OTHERS ARE USING CLEAN EQUIPMENT

Along the same lines as number 2, please make sure that you are only using equipment from trusted sources (lounges or friends) that you know are taking every precaution to make sure the equipment is as clean as possible. 

4.  TRY NOT TO SMOKE, OR SMOKE MUCH LESS

We know this might not be a popular suggestion right now, but because Covid19 is a respiratory infection, smoking, especially heavy daily smoking of things like cigarettes, vapes, and even Hookah, may create complications⁵ in your body's ability to deal with and heal from any future infection.  If you do decide to use Hookah during this period, please make sure to use the best tobacco, charcoal, and equipment available to you.  Things like "quick light charcoal" and inferior tobacco products may cause serious harm with even light use.    

5.  INFORM YOURSELF

Don't take our word for it.  There's a lot of rumors and speculation out there right now.  One of the most empowering things you can do for yourself is to research the facts directly.  We've included links at the bottom of this email, but, as we indicate above, you should still do your own research and consult with experts.⁶

6.  TRY TO REMAIN UPBEAT

You likely already know this, but the better your overall mood, the better your mind and body will function; this includes your immune system.⁷  There's no question we're all under a lot of stress, but if you can, try to seek out those things that help you regain your balance, whether those things are movies, books, your friends, or any hobbies you have that won't expose you to unnecessary risk of exposure.  Also, a deeper, more accurate, understanding of Covid19 may alleviate some of the anxiety and stress currently associated with it.  

7.  USE COMMON SENSE

At the end of the day, please use common sense.  There are a ton or resources available with information on ways to avoid contracting and spreading Covid19.⁸⁹¹⁰ so please use them.

We are all in this together and together we will come out the other side better than ever! 

~~~

We all hope at least some of this is helpful.

Please feel free to share or repost in whole or in part with or without credit. :-)

You can also email us with any questions you might have and, if we can, we will do our best to answer them.  

 

 

References

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509683/
2  https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/common-household-products-that-can-destroy-novel-coronavirus/
3  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html
4  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK214356/
5  https://tobacco.ucsf.edu/reduce-your-risk-serious-lung-disease-caused-corona-virus-quitting-smoking-and-vaping
6 https://www.google.com/  :-)
7 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324090
8  https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
9  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
10  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/