Coronavirus Pune: Read this before queueing up for liquor!

Pune: The mad rush for alcohol at liquor shops has not only sparked outrage among those wanting to control the spread of COVID-19 via social distancing, but it has also invited a word of caution from doctors: alcohol is not that good for your immune system. 

Beating this pandemic depends heavily on a robust immune system. However, doctors share that alcohol consumption can adversely affect immunity and make you more prone to COVID-19 infection.

Dr Rahul Bagle, Psychiatrist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune said that addiction has been notionally perceived as a behavioural disorder or just a habit by our society. But it is far more than that.

RISKING LIFE
“After some relaxation by the government in Green zones permitting the shops to open, we see that wine shops have been flooded. People are so much addicted to alcohol, that they are willing to risk their lives of themselves and their families, by gathering around the wine shops. Only addiction can make a person indulge in such risk-taking behaviour,” said Bagle.

AFFECTING IMMUNITY
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Mahesh Lakhe, Infectious Disease department of Columbia Asia Hospital in Pune, said that alcohol alters the makeup of your gut microbiome and affects those microorganisms’ ability to support your immune system.

“Drinking alcohol can also damage the immune cells that line the intestines and serve as the first line of defence against bacteria and viruses. By damaging those cells in your intestines, it can make it easier for pathogens to cross into your bloodstream. That is, by drinking too much, you decrease your body’s defensive mechanisms to fight off infections,” said Lakhe.

He added that drinking alcohol in large quantities, even just for a short period can be bad for your immune system.

“A 2015 study in the journal Alcohol, binge drinking can reduce infection-fighting white blood cells known as monocytes in the hours after peak intoxication, essentially weakening your immune system. And it’s not just that you’re more likely to get cold — excessive drinking is linked to pneumonia and other pulmonary diseases. It can also lead to a wide range of health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease, liver disease, and increased risk of cancer,” said Lakhe.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ADDICTS
Bagle added that in fact, lockdown had been a wonderful opportunity to get rid of addiction. 

“Still many people haven’t been comfortable with this idea. Use of alcohol and unemployment- may cause dual harm to persons with addiction. Alcohol has been reported to be associated with domestic violence, suicide, crimes and various health complications, by many studies and surveys,” said Bagle.

He said that seeking help and getting treated by Qualified Psychiatrist, for the adequate duration - is the only solution to get rid of this addiction that is a brain disorder and not merely bad behaviour.

GOOD FOR HEALTH?
As per the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people. 
- Overall, the harmful use of alcohol is responsible for 5.1 per cent of the global burden of disease.