Beware! Drinking alcohol for Preventing novel Coronavirus Claims 27 Lives in Iran

Tehran, March 10, 2020: Lately there have been posts and rumors on social media. They talked about preventing novel coronavirus. The unscientific post said drinking alcohol can keep one safe from the infection. As a result, at least 27 people have died from alcohol poisoning in Iran. Those who lost their lives belong to Khuzestan and Alborz provinces. They all were trying to prevent coronavirus infection.

Outbreak of coronavirus in Iran

After China and Italy, Iran is worst hit from coronavirus. So far, 237 people have died. Also, 7,161 have been infected all across the country. However, the real figures can be far more.  While, coronavirus infections in the province of Khuzestan number to 73.

People acted upon rumors

There were many posts lately saying alcohol drinking can prevent coronavirus infections. On the other hand, alcohol is banned in Iran. Despite that, victims acted blindly upon the unscientific post. As a result, they consumed industrial liquor. Consequently, at least 218 Iranians were hospitalized on Monday. They all suffered alcohol poisoning. They were admitted in the medical centers affiliated with Ahwaz University of Medical Sciences. Out of these 27 are already dead. A few more are critical.

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.

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.

The right course

To prevent coronavirus infection, you should wash hands often with soap and water. That too for at least 20 seconds. In case of unavailability of soap, use hand sanitizer. Also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Simultaneously keeping distance with people who are sick is essential. In case of sickness, one should avoid going to public places as the illness could spread in others. Besides, immediately consult a certified medical practitioner.

 

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