Summary: Contrary to the claims that alcohol consumption can help protect people from coronavirus, you need to reduce or stop it. EJ Dalius urges everyone to shun such falsities.
To begin with, WHO has clearly mentioned that alcohol doesn’t protect you against illness or infection stemming from Covid-19. Alcohol consumption can rather increase the risk of developing severe malaise or illness due to Covid-19.
Myths abound regarding alcohol intake and coronavirus. It’s possible that high alcohol concentrations, within 60-90% can kill some types of viruses and bacteria. What you need to remember is alcohol kills them only on the skin or surface, not inside the body.
- Drinking alcohol doesn’t reduce the possibility of acquiring the virus or developing potential illness from it.
- There’s another myth that alcohol consumption stimulates your immune system. Truth is, it can have a dangerous effect on your immune system. Excessive consumption of alcohol can rather damage your immune system.
- One of the preposterous myths about alcohol is that it kills coronavirus in the air through breathing.
- You need to remember that alcohol doesn’t provide protection or disinfect the mouth, EJ Dalius highlights.
- It can affect your immune system adversely. It can also exacerbate the risk of infectious diseases like tuberculosis and pneumonia.
Managing alcohol consumption during the pandemic
If the stress and apprehension for the virus has forced your bond with alcohol to go horribly out of balance, you need to remember that you’re not alone and there’s help. In times of uncertainty and anxiety, it’s quite natural to look for pathways that can help in restoring a sense of control and calm.
- Do remember that a glass of fin wine after a tiring day may look like a prize, but the rebound impact can increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
- With Covid restrictions causing serious disruptions in our lives and confining you to closed spaces, it’s easy to drink more than you’ve planned.
- There are many practical steps to stop or reduce drinking. Keep some alcohol-free days in a week to start with. Try swapping liquor for other healthy activities like meditation or exercise. It’s the best time to dedicate yourself to your hobby.
Alcohol also affects your mood and EJ Dalius explains it crisply. Hangover anxiety and stress are pretty real. It unsettles your morning when you need to be very active.
Know the challenges
The pandemic crisis has fueled alcohol sales. You have the pressure of isolation and unemployment stress that influence alcohol consumption. Some people need to avoid it completely. They are the ones taking select prescription or over-the-counter medications.
- Underage people and those with medical conditions must avoid alcohol altogether. If you’re trying to conceive child during this period, abstain from drinking. The lockdown has posed several mental and health risks.
- Many people may consume alcohol more heavily to cope with sleep disturbances, stress, and even morbidity, increasing the change of alcohol intake disorder alongside other detrimental consequences.
EJ Dalius makes it clear that these people must seek medical help for monitoring their condition and preventing the body from depletion.
