Drinking alcohol may heighten risk of getting coronavirus, WHO suggests

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/04/16/coronavirus-alcohol-who-says-drinking-beer-wine-may-higher-risk/5143321002/?fbclid=IwAR1LiwpjzuklkkK9uG2qeoU8n7flqCjIYka_Kx3dZxCYIT53_gBupiUD524

Joshua Bote
USA TODAY
April 16,2020


As the coronavirus pandemic leaves millions stuck at home, alcohol sales have risen drastically nationwide, with spirits and premixed cocktails in high demand.

The World Health Organization, however, says alcohol may put people at increased risk for the coronavirus, weakening the body's immune system and leaving drinkers at risk for other risky behaviors that could increase the likelihood of contracting coronavirus.

It does work as a disinfectant on surfaces, but too much alcohol consumption can actually make the body less capable of handling the coronavirus. A 2015 study published in the journal Alcohol Research found that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with "adverse immune-related health effects such as susceptibility to pneumonia.”\

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