In recent days and weeks, there have been efforts around the globe to spread damaging misinformation about how drinking alcohol protects against the Coronavirus. These false claims have alleged that binge drinking vodka and other hard liquor can protect people from COVID-19. Similar disinformation was behind the tragic deaths of 27 people in Iran who died from alcohol poisoning.
On that note, it’s about time that every woman knows the cold, hard truth about binge drinking and the coronavirus, so they can make informed decisions to protect their health and seek help for a drinking problem at a time when staying healthy is especially critical.
Myths About Binge Drinking and the Coronavirus – Why Women May Be More Susceptible
Women may be especially susceptible to myths about binge drinking. That’s because women as a demographic are already binge drinking at much higher rates in the U.S. and other parts of the world. For example, an article by U.S. News & World Report reported that rates of binge drinking are rising much faster among American women than American men— and, that the biggest jump in binge drinking occurred among women between the ages of 30 and 44. Their rate of binge drinking doubled during the years 2006-2018. Meanwhile, British women are also experiencing hikes in their levels of drinking.
These upward trends in boozing are worth noting at a time when the temptation to drink—and to drink to excess—is arguably stronger than ever. During a global public health crisis, higher stress levels and the mental health effects of social isolation can be easy excuses to consume more than 1-2 drinks in one sitting. (Binge drinking occurs when a woman drinks four or more drinks in a span of roughly two hours.)
How Binge Drinking Raises the Risks of Developing Critical COVID-19 and Its Complications
Contrary to the myths, women need to know that binge drinking raises their chances of developing critical COVID-19 and its deadliest complications. Excess alcohol consumption actually compromises the immune system in more ways than one. For instance, problem drinkers are much more susceptible to pneumonia and “acute respiratory distress syndrome” (ARDS)— both of which can be end-stage complications of COVID-19.
Another potentially life-saving thing to know is this: People who contract the virus and develop ARDS—(a condition that’s more likely to develop in problem drinkers)—have a much higher chance of dying from COVID-19. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that over 50 percent of patients with COVID-19 who are diagnosed with ARDS will die. In other words, for patients with ARDS and COVID-19, the likelihood of dying from COVID-19 is in fact greater than the likelihood of living. (By contrast, 80 percent of people who contract the Coronavirus will experience only mild symptoms.)
More Life-Saving Tips for Women Who Binge Drink
Binge drinking has always been a serious health issue. It’s now more serious than ever, thanks to the particular risks that COVID-19 poses to problem drinkers. Women who regularly over-consume alcohol need to be aware of this reality and scale back their drinking. These “7 Tips to Quit Drinking, From the Experts” may help. If not, medically supervised alcohol detox is often the most effective way to address a drinking problem and strengthen the immune system.
Public health threats like COVID-19 demand the cold, hard facts—not harmful disinformation campaigns—about the very real risks of over-indulging in alcohol. An accurate understanding of these risks can help women make better-informed decisions about alcohol intake and their health. That’s a victory in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19.