WHO asks governments to clamp down on alcohol during pandemic, saying it can exacerbate 'risk-taking'
Drinking excessive alcohol is not going to kill the virus nor protect you from the disease. But it will weaken your defenses and reduce your ability to cope with the disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Aimed at quashing myths surrounding its supposed benefits, the WHO has said alcohol neither kills the virus in the mouth and throat nor increases your immunity.
Recently, the WHO requested countries to enforce measures to restrict alcohol consumption. "At times of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption can exacerbate health vulnerability, risk-taking behaviors, mental health issues and violence," it said on its website.
The site added that communicating with the public about the risks while also maintaining and strengthening alcohol and drug services will help.
Social isolation and heavy alcohol use
At least 3 million people die every year of alcohol-related deaths, including from infectious and non-infectious diseases and mental health disorders — all of which can make a person more vulnerable to COVID-19.
"In particular, alcohol compromises the body's immune system and increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Therefore, people should minimize their alcohol consumption at any time and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic," the WHO warned amid concerns over heavy alcohol use in Europe.
The US might also have a reason to worry. Social isolation appears to have boosted the sale of alcohol in the country. According to a Nielsen report, alcoholic beverage sales rose 55% in the third week of March compared to the same period a year ago.
The demand for ready-to-drink cocktails, such as spiked lemonades. or canned gin and tonics was the highest, with a 106% rise in sales. What is more, a new trend is picking up in the US. It has given away for happy hours on online platforms such as Zoom, replacing bar get-togethers.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, we should ask ourselves what risks we are taking in leaving people under lockdown in their homes with a substance that is harmful both in terms of their health and the effects of their behavior on others, including violence," Carina Ferreira-Borges, Programme Manager, Alcohol and Illicit Drugs Programme, WHO/Europe, said in a statement.
Myths and how to keep yourself safe
Alcohol could work as a sanitizer but does not destroy the virus within the body. The WHO said: "Consuming alcohol will not destroy the virus, and its consumption is likely to increase the health risks if a person becomes infected with the virus. Alcohol (at a concentration of at least 60% by volume) works as a disinfectant on your skin, but it has no such effect within your system when ingested."
WHO also dismissed misinformation claiming alcohol can boost immunity. It has the opposite effect, the UN agency explained.
To keep yourself safe during the pandemic, the WHO advises against drinking excessively and protecting children from exposure to alcohol. "Make sure that children and young people do not have access to alcohol and do not let them see you consume alcohol – be a role model," the WHO said.