People are buying more alcohol as the coronavirus outbreak continues, but alcohol consumption can actually make a person more vulnerable to COVID-19, the World Health Organization warned.
WHO advised people to minimize how much alcohol they drink as the outbreak continues.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we should really 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 behaviour on others, including violence,” Carina Ferreira-Borges, programme manager of the Alcohol and Illicit Drugs Programme with WHO/Europe, said.
Some have incorrectly said that drinking can actually kill COVID-19.
“Consuming any alcohol poses health risks, but consuming high-strength ethyl alcohol (ethanol), particularly if it has been adulterated with methanol, can result in severe health consequences, including death,” WHO warned. “Alcohol consumption is associated with a range of communicable and noncommunicable diseases and mental health disorders, 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.”
Market research firm Nielsen said U.S. sales of alcoholic beverages rose 55% in the week ending March 21.
