Fact : Does Alcohol Kills Coronavirus?

New Delhi, March 5, 2020: Covid-19 has spread in more than 70 countries. Around 95,000 infections have been reported all across the world. Also, it has claimed more than 3000 lives. Researchers around the globe are struggling hard to find the effective cure. Jointly, they are working to develop the vaccine. Meanwhile, there have been rumors that drinking alcohol can kill novel coronavirus. We here undergo a fact check for the same.

Alcohol does have disinfectant properties

Undoubtedly, alcohol is a well-known disinfectant. Some even claim that it may be useful for treating gut infections. Could alcohol actually be used for killing novel coronavirus infection? As per a study conducted in 1988, wine was tested with other beverages. Especially it was compared to carbonated drinks. The beverages were inoculated with infectious gut bacteria. For instance, salmonella, shigella and E.coli were exposed to it. After two days it was found the organisms fared worst in red wine.

Wine has antibacterial feature

The researchers tested red wine on salmonella. It was compared to a solution containing the same alcohol concentration and pH level (acidic). Red wine was seen to possess intense antibacterial activity. It was even greater than the solution with the same concentration of alcohol.  The antibacterial effect of red wine against salmonella was due to its acid pH.

High concentrations are needed

In order to kill the virus high concentrations of alcohol are needed. Also microbes need to be exposed for a longer period in the gut or stomach. As compared to the other hard drinks, hand sanitizers have higher concentrations. For they have concentration equal to  60-80%. Hence, they effectively contain antimicrobial activity. Despite that, there isn’t any concrete finding which says drinking alcohol can save you from Covid-19.

Drinking can cause extreme organ damage

In order to treat novel coronavirus higher concentration of alcohol is needed. On the contrary,  greater the concentration more damage is caused to the stomach. Therefore, in a bid to kill the virus if you drink higher concentration of alcohol it can prove fatal. As it will subsequently end up in damaging your stomach lining and other organs.

Symptoms

There are number of symptoms which indicate infection from the Covid-19 virus. If you have runny nose, headache, sore throat, cough and fever then better consult a doctor. If you fail to get treatment on time, it can lead to respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. These symptoms can appear in a day or two after contracting the infection. Sometimes symptoms remain dormant for around 14 days after the exposure.

Prevention

In order to prevent coronavirus infection, you should wash hands often with soap and water. Also, you need to wash it for at least 20 seconds. In case, if soap is not available, use alcohol based hand sanitizer. Along with that, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Simultaneously, keep distance with people who are sick. In case you observe symptoms them immediately go and see the doctor. Remain in isolation so that no one gets the infection from you.

 

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