No, drinking alcohol will not protect you from coronavirus.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills the coronavirus on your hands. But drinking alcohol won’t protect you against the virus!

In fact, drinking alcohol is probably a bad idea. The WHO says that drinking alcohol is a risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome, a serious complication of COVID-19. A review of multiple studies found that drinking alcohol is associated with an increased risk of  pneumonia.  

Another study showed that high levels of alcohol can interfere with the lung’s defense mechanism against infection.  High alcohol consumption can also affect absorption of nutrients which may result in impaired immune function. Finally, alcohol might relax the muscles of the mouth and throat making it easier for germs to get in your lungs.

By this point, you’re probably not surprised that the WHO says to minimize or avoid drinking alcohol to maintain a health immune system.

Last update:  April 19, 2020, 3:45 PM ET
Science Review: GSN, ERS, JAB