The relationship between alcohol consumption and COVID-19 generated significant public confusion and misinformation throughout the pandemic regarding whether drinking could offer protection or pose additional risks. Understanding this topic requires separating common myths from established scientific evidence concerning how alcohol interacts with the human body and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This article provides an evidence-based look at alcohol’s actual role in the context of COVID-19 infection, immune response, and treatment protocols.
Can Drinking Alcohol Prevent COVID-19 Infection?
The notion that consuming high-proof alcohol can “sanitize” the body or throat against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a dangerous misconception. Alcohol functions as a disinfectant only at high concentrations, typically 60% or more by volume, and only when applied topically to surfaces or skin. When ingested, alcohol is metabolized rapidly in the digestive system and liver. This means it never reaches the respiratory tract or bloodstream at a concentration sufficient to inactivate the virus.
A standard alcoholic beverage contains far less than the 60% concentration needed for disinfection. Attempting to drink alcohol at that concentration to kill the virus would likely lead to severe alcohol poisoning or death. The World Health Organization (WHO) explicitly warned against this myth, noting that drinking alcohol offers no protection against COVID-19.
Some studies explored the link between consumption patterns and infection risk. One large study noted that individuals who drank one to two glasses of red wine daily showed a slightly lower risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to non-drinkers. This possible effect was attributed to the high concentration of polyphenols in red wine, which are known to inhibit some viruses. However, these findings do not suggest that alcohol is a preventive measure, and consumption does not prevent the acquisition of the infection.
How Alcohol Affects Immune Response and Disease Severity
Alcohol consumption, particularly chronic or heavy use, directly impairs the body’s ability to mount an effective defense against viral infections like COVID-19. Alcohol fundamentally disrupts the function of both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Chronic alcohol exposure compromises the activity of various immune cells, including T-cells and macrophages, which are essential for identifying and eliminating virus-infected cells. When these cells are suppressed, the body’s ability to clear the virus and regulate inflammation is diminished, potentially prolonging the infection. This systemic immune impairment is compounded by the effects on the respiratory system, the primary target of SARS-CoV-2.
Alcohol alters the mucosal barrier function in the lungs, making the tissue more permeable and susceptible to damage. Heavy alcohol use increases the risk of developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a life-threatening complication often observed in severe COVID-19 cases. Individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder have been found to have a significantly increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes and hospitalization compared to non-drinkers. This biological vulnerability means that alcohol can severely worsen the prognosis for those who contract the virus.
Alcohol Consumption During Treatment and Recovery
Drinking alcohol while symptomatic, undergoing treatment, or recovering from COVID-19 introduces acute risks related to drug interactions and symptom exacerbation. A major concern involves combining alcohol with common over-the-counter medications used for symptom relief, such as acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer, is metabolized by the liver. Chronic, excessive alcohol consumption can induce liver enzymes that accelerate this process, which accelerates the production of a toxic metabolite. This significantly increases the risk of liver damage (hepatotoxicity) and potentially leads to acute liver failure. Healthcare professionals consistently advise patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications, especially if they consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day.
Alcohol can interfere with the metabolism of prescribed antiviral treatments for COVID-19, such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid). Both alcohol and these medications are processed by the liver. Their combined use can place additional strain on the organ, potentially increasing the risk of liver injury or reducing the medication’s effectiveness. The general medical recommendation is to abstain from alcohol during the treatment period to maximize the drug’s efficacy and minimize side effects.
Beyond pharmaceutical risks, alcohol consumption can worsen the physical symptoms of the illness. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, promoting fluid loss and exacerbating dehydration, which is already a concern for individuals experiencing fever and general malaise from COVID-19. Drinking can also disrupt sleep patterns and worsen digestive upset, making recovery more difficult. Focusing on hydration and rest without the complication of alcohol is the most prudent approach during active infection and recovery.