IMPOTUS has tried to deflect blame to the World Health Organization for his own failures to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. He has announced plans to cut U.S. funding for the W.H.O.
So it should come as no surprise that he is woefully unaware of recommendations made by the W.H.O. regarding treatment for COVID-19. And his suggestion that disinfectants, including those that contain isopropyl alcohol, might be a possible treatment for coronavirus infections is extremely irresponsible and dangerous.
Now some of you might be driven to drink just listening to Trump’s remarks, but first I’d recommend reading a fact sheet but out by W.H.O./Europe earlier this month on alcohol and COVID-19. W.H
For some reason it is not possible to post a direct link to the fact sheet. But you can access it by googling: WHO Europe coronavirus alcohol fact sheet, and then downloading the English version.
Among the key findings:
“The most important fact to remember. In no way will consumption of alcohol protect you from COVID-19or prevent you from being infected by it.”
The fact sheet then listed some of the general facts people should know about the consumption of alcohol and health:
— Alcohol has effects, both short-term and long-term, on almost every single organ of your body. Overall, the evidence suggests that there is no “safe limit” –in fact, the risk of damage to your health increases with each drink of alcohol consumed.
— Alcohol use, especially heavy use, weakens the immune system and thus reduces the ability to cope with infectious diseases.
— Alcohol, even in very small quantities, is known to cause certain types of cancer.
— Alcohol alters your thoughts, judgement, decision-making and behaviour.
— Alcohol, even in small amounts, is a risk to the unborn child at any time during pregnancy.
--Alcohol increases the risk, frequency and severity of perpetration of interpersonal violence such as intimate partner violence, sexual violence, youth violence, elder abuse, and violence against children. …
— Heavy use of alcohol increases the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), one of the most severe complications of COVID-19.”
W.H.O./Europe then went on to note that: “Consuming alcohol will not destroy the virus, and its consumption is likely to increase the health risks if a person becomes infected with the virus. Alcohol (at a concentration of at least 60% by volume) works as a disinfectant on your skin, but it has no such effect within your system when ingested. ...”
“Alcohol has a deleterious effect on your immune system and will not stimulate immunity and virus resistance.”
Please note that this was issued days before IMPOTUS’ Thursday news follies. Now I think that the overwhelming majority of people — even MAGAts — will have enough sense not to consume disinfectants. But some might think that drinking alcohol might be helpful. Don’t do it.