An allergist-immunologist dispelled the myth about the effectiveness of treating colds with alcohol

There are myths about treating colds with alcohol. There is an opinion that vodka can disinfect the body, throat. But this is not true, since the drink has only 40% pure alcohol. Such a percentage does not kill microorganisms - bacteria and viruses. Disinfection with the help of alcohol is impossible, told "Izvestia" on January 31, chief researcher of the NMIC of phthisiopulmonology and infectious diseases of the Ministry of Health of Russia, doctor, allergologist-immunologist, Professor Andrei Prodeus.

The expert explained that under the influence of alcohol, many metabolic processes do not go the way they should go in the norm. And one of the main problems is a decrease in the functioning of immune cells.

"When exposed to alcohol, immune cells don't recognize the enemy or can't respond to its threat. To illustrate, let me give you an example: imagine you see a thief stealing a lady's purse, but you've been drinking and you can't run fast enough, your coordination is impaired. You see the thief, but you can't catch up with him and neutralize him. Alcohol has approximately the same effect on the immune system: the efficiency of immune cells, the creation of antibodies is categorically disturbed. The most affected are T-cells, the so-called officers of the immune system," said Prodeus.

According to the doctor, the use of alcohol during the disease can reduce the effectiveness of drugs, increase the likelihood of adverse events and lead to the development of complications. For example, paracetamol together with vodka causes severe liver damage.

In colds, doctors recommend drinking plenty of water to reduce intoxication - water helps to remove toxic substances from the body. Alcohol, on the contrary, contributes to dehydration - dehydration. Allergologist-immunologist emphasized that this is an extremely dangerous condition, especially for people at risk - the elderly, as well as those who have chronic diseases. Dehydration can lead to thrombosis, stroke and heart attack.

"There is not a single fact in favor of treating colds with alcohol: it does not disinfect, does not kill microorganisms, and moreover, reduces immune protection and leads to dehydration," the expert concluded.

Earlier, on January 16, gastroenterologist, expert doctor of the laboratory "Hemotest" Ekaterina Kashukh told "Izvestia" that overeating and alcohol negatively affect health and can lead to exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). In addition, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages can lead to alcoholic hepatitis.