Does the following suggestion on how to avoid the corona virus make sense? And if one is convinced, as he or she should be, that there is no proof that it will work, and perhaps even that the idea is not scientific, should we do it anyway?
Alcohol
It is well known that putting alcohol on a sore to avoid infection is done all the time. Why? Because alcohol kills germs. Isn’t possible that the corona virus is a germ, or like a germ, and that alcohol can kill it.
The virus works against people and makes them sick inside their bodies. So, if one comes in contact with the virus, it is possible that one can rub alcohol on the body and this may stop the virus from entering the body. But, once it is in the body, the outside application will not help the inside of the body. However, perhaps, and this is the suggestion, drinking alcohol, having a shot and a half of scotch, gin, rum, etc, may kill the virus inside the body even as it does outside the body.
This is not a new idea. During the days when England ruled Hong Kong, the English drank a lot of gin, so much so that it was called the official colonial drink. During the Victorian era when malaria plagued the land, gin was thought to protect against the disease. Gin is drunk by many with tonic, and some think it is the quinine in the tonic that defeated the malaria. Winston Churchill contended that the gin and tonic saved “more Englishmen’s lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire.” If you believe the quinine should be credited, you should drink gin and tonic. If you dislike this drink. Drink it every other day with scotch or rum, or some other alcohol, on other days.
Of course, we should not over indulge in drinking the alcohol. This will make the drinker sick. During the days of the Spanish Flu, some people were certain that aspirins will cure the flu. Many, unfortunately, took a lot of aspirins. Their overindulgence led to illnesses and some deaths.
Salt
Salt is also known to kill germs. Since doctors tell us that the virus affects the lungs, would it make sense to spray our noses with a saline nasal spray at least once a day, or more if you like. It will not harm you.
In short
Does it make sense to drink alcohol and spray one’s nose with a salt solution? What does one loose. I say all of this even though I am not a medical doctor
Nice advice. Tho World health organization doesn’t recommend alcohol.
I appreciate your Modest Proposal.
Thank you. I forgot to add that we need to wear masks, keep distancing, etc.
Israel
Our knowledge of Coronavirus is incomplete, but each week we learn a gain more information. It is highly infectious and is thought to enter the body largely through the mouth, nose and eyes and to grow rapidly in the lungs. You really don’t want to put alcohol, or other liquids into your lungs, because you will drown. You can put it in your stomach if you must, but it won’t protect you against C-19. Alcohol may have some short-lived antiseptic value in the mouth, but you would have to take it so often you would risk becoming an alcoholic. We already know what to do to reduce the risk of becoming infected. Keep away from others, wash your hands frequently and yes, you can use some moisturiser to protect the skin. It helps to wear a face mask, gloves, and if possible something like goggles over your eyes. if you are likely to find yourself in crowded places, such as when you go shopping. It would in my opinion be better to honestly recognise how vulnerable and afraid we are all feeling at the moment, especially those who for medical reasons such as having recently had major surgery, need extra shielding. Even if we don’t fit into that category, simply being over 65, male, overweight are indications of co-morbidities that statistically have poorer outcomes in ICUs. This is terrifying, especially for those who are also socially isolated, but it is better to feel the fear and recognise it for what it is. Speak to a friend, partner, or counsellor. There is some evidence that amongst American men in this catchment, that their anxiety leads to a tendency to act out, paranoia, temper tantrums and to indulge in a fantasy that hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin and other anti-malarial drugs can protect, or cure those with Covid-19. However, the scientific evidence suggest that no-one should take these products unless prescribed and supervised by an M.D. otherwise there is a significantly higher risk of having a serious cardiac event. Something similar might be also said against adding more salt in the diet of those with high blood pressure, (actually for anyone).
I agree. I forgot to mention that we need to wear masks, etc.
Israel
To effectively kills germs, the alcohol must be higher than 70%. They only sell alcohol at 50% for drinking in the store because 70% would burn your stomach. As for the salt solution, it can’t hurt.
I do not know if even 70 percent will work. I forgot to mention that we also certainly need to wear masks, etc.
It all sound very plausible, but with modern medicine and technology, I would be inclined to propose this theory to the experts in the medical field and see if you don’t receive a commendation on the new recommendations for controlling Covid-19. It has not gone as far as Pres. Trumps suggestion of ingesting various disinfectants.
I agree. I was just wondering whether it would work. I forgot to mention that we need to wear masks, maintain social distancing, etc.