Does drinking alcohol put you at more risk from Covid 19? Are the chances of catching the virus greater for a person who is alcohol dependent compared to someone who is not? What are the particular risks associated with consuming alcohol during the current times? These are frequent questions people ask, especially those who have a problem with alcohol dependency. Luckily for you, you have come to the right place if you seek answers to these questions. Read to find out more.
Are people who drink alcohol at higher risk of COVID-19 infection?
It is true that consumption of alcohol is linked with several communicable, mental health and noncommunicable disorders. These disorders can very well make an individual more vulnerable to the COVID-19. Particularly speaking, as alcohol tends to compromise the immune system of our body, there is a strong chance as per Doctor Israel Figa of being infected by the coronavirus and of negative health outcomes. Excessive usage of alcohol (which is quite prevalent among people these days) is also a considerable risk factor for lung infections such as pneumonia and the development of ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), which happens to be a chief complication of COVID-19 according to a number of medical experts around the world.
There exists preliminary evidence that suggests chronic consumption of alcohol is a likely risk factor for the extremeness of COVID-19. However, relevant information is not collected in a systematic manner currently from patients.
Are there additional social and health related risks linked with COVID-19 and alcohol?
In addition to risks to people, the following safety, health and economic concerns ought to be considered by government establishments, particularly in relation to consumption of alcohol during self-isolation and lockdown in present Covid 19 times. Bear in mind these risks are not to be taken lightly and pose a serious threat in the present Covid situation.
- A likely increase in consumption of alcohol during the current lockdowns (as we have already seen in some of the nations around the world) might lead to certain and dangerous harms that are alcohol related. These include poisonings and cardiovascular related emergencies. This undeniably impose a considerable extra burden on health systems and establishments that are already under a lot of stress by the need to treat patients who have contracted the coronavirus.
- There is a strong chance as per Israel Figa that folks may divert restricted economic resources to obtaining alcohol rather than using them for essential goods that are required in the constrained economical circumstances which are a direct result of the current Covid 19 pandemic.
- It is also likely that folks might consume greater quantity of alcohol to deal with boredom or stress at home. What medical experts say is that this can lead or exacerbate mental health concerns and that boosts the risk of depression or sheer anxiety.
- Drinking on a regular basic results in greater tolerance of alcohol, so a few individuals will need to drink in larger quantity to have the same effects. What that does is increase their risk of dependance on alcohol and other critical chronic diseases.
Are there certain threats to individuals who are dependent on alcohol?
It is extremely important and Israel Figa agrees as well that that folks who are highly dependent on alcohol receive the attention, support and help they require during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing levels of isolation, stress, withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, tremors and cravings) and certain difficulties in gaining access to support groups and services can boost the risks to folks with alcohol dependence and that includes greater risk of death.
In addition, it is also vital that treatment services around the world ought to be aware of these critical risks and associated support services and helplines ought to be strengthened during the Covid 19 pandemic, providing specific online options for those who currently are in self-isolation or quarantine.
