COVID-19 Update: WHO Warns Alcohol Consumption Will Not Prevent Infection

Social distancing and work-from-home regulations are completely underway in the U.S., but Americans may be indulging in alcohol a bit more than usual during this pandemic situation. Alcohol sales are booming during the pandemic and rose 55% in the last month, according to recent market research.

More than one in three Americans said they’re more likely to imbibe more in isolation. But, the World Health Organization (WHO) still warned people that alcohol consumption doesn’t have any protective benefits against COVID-19 and that alcohol products other than ethanol might be highly dangerous.

“Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is the substance in alcoholic beverages that is responsible for most of the harms that arise from their consumption, irrespective of whether it is consumed in the form of wine, beer, spirits, or anything else. Unfortunately, other toxic substances that may smell like ethanol can be added in adulterated beverages that are produced informally or illegally; or they may be present in alcoholic products that are not intended for human consumption, such as hand disinfectant,” said the WHO factsheet.

The WHO has highlighted the fact that in no way will alcohol consumption protects anyone from COVID-19 or helps prevent the infection. Several deaths related to the consumption of such alcoholic products have been reported during the COVID-19 outbreak. They were all based on the mistaken belief that alcoholic beverages will protect them against the deadly novel coronavirus.

Here are some important reasons why you should give up alcohol during the pandemic situation:

• Alcohol has both short-term as well as long-term effects on every single organ of the body.
• There is no safe limit to alcohol consumption.
• Heavy drinking can weaken your immune system and reduce the ability to fight infection.
• Heavy drinking can also increase one’s risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)- the most severe COVID-19 complication.
• Alcohol consumption is likely to increase health risks if one gets infected with COVID-19.

Alcohol isn’t a part of your diet and shouldn’t be considered a priority on the shopping list. People should stop stockpiling alcohol at home during the lockdown situation since it can potentially increase one’s alcohol consumption. For those who think that alcohol might help cope with stress during the pandemic, WHO clarifies that it rather increases the symptoms of panic and anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental disorders.