COVID-19 Vaccination and Alcohol - Can You Drink After Vaccination?

How can you get infected with COVID-19 coronavirus?

COVID-19 coronavirus is a virus that has rapidly spread across almost the entire world. You can get infected through droplet transmission, so there is a possibility that another person may pose a threat. Particularly dangerous are moments when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or even talks. Sources of COVID-19 coronavirus are also surfaces that have had contact with the virus. They can be contaminated for several hours or even days. Therefore, it's important to remember not to touch your mouth or nose. You can come into contact with the coronavirus completely unknowingly, and the disease itself can be asymptomatic. Only a coronavirus test can give 100% certainty. To protect yourself from the virus, it's worth following all hygiene and safety rules recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Don't delay! Get vaccinated against COVID-19 today!

The basis for fighting coronavirus is:

• maintaining about 2 meters distance,

• frequent handwashing and disinfecting with alcohol-based products,

• using gloves and protective masks,

• avoiding large crowds,

• self-isolation.

By caring for our health, we simultaneously protect others and prevent the spread of the virus. COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective way to defeat the pandemic.

Can alcohol consumption defeat the coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are virus groups long known to scientists. However, the SARS-CoV-2 variant is new. Currently, there is no antibiotic or specific medication that treats COVID-19 coronavirus. Work on an appropriate medicine or vaccine may take several months. The virus very quickly became a global problem, so it's not hard to find false information related to the disease and ways to protect against it. One thing is certain – alcohol consumption will not replace vaccination! Post-covid-19 rehabilitation

Moderate alcohol consumption and coronavirus

• Alcohol consumption leads to increased immunity – FALSE

Alcohol has a negative effect on the body's immune system. This was shown by an experiment conducted at Loyola University in Chicago. Scientists asked volunteers to drink alcohol (4-5 shots of vodka) within 20 minutes. Initially, after systematic blood sample testing, it could be observed that the immune system grew stronger, but after a few hours immunity significantly decreased. This way, a person can be weaker and more susceptible to COVID-19 coronavirus. Ultimately, alcohol weakens the immune system.

• Rubbing skin with high-proof alcohol protects against coronavirus infection – FALSE

High-proof alcohol above 60% can have preventive application, but only as a liquid for disinfecting surfaces. In contact with skin, it can cause severe irritation and dryness.

• Drinking alcohol protects against coronavirus – FALSE

Consuming alcoholic beverages in excessive amounts is always harmful. It lowers immunity and affects the occurrence of comorbidities, which also increase the risk of infection. SARS-CoV-2 primarily attacks the lungs. Alcohol, on the other hand, very quickly passes into the digestive system, so there is physically no possibility for it to protect the body. Consuming alcohol and using its pure form for body disinfection will not protect or increase immunity. High-proof alcohol can be used exclusively for cleaning surfaces and as one of the components of antibacterial agents.

Does moderate alcohol consumption affect the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines?

Many questions arise about whether drinking alcohol can weaken the action of the COVID-19 vaccine. There are no conclusive studies confirming the impact of alcohol consumption on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. However, it should be remembered that alcohol definitely affects lowering the body's immunity, and by administering the COVID-19 vaccine we aim to achieve the highest level of immunization. Therefore, it is recommended to limit excessive alcohol consumption before and after COVID-19 vaccination.

Why is it worth giving up alcohol before and after COVID-19 vaccination?

Doctors recommend that in the case of COVID-19 vaccination, one should give up alcohol consumption for about 3 days. This is related to a possible adverse post-vaccination reaction that may appear 2-3 days after receiving any vaccine. Excessive alcohol consumption during this period can lead to significant deterioration of the patient's well-being, through body dehydration or flushing out valuable components and minerals. First studies have already been conducted showing that regular alcohol abuse weakens the immune system's response to the administered vaccine.

Contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination

A patient who wants to undergo COVID-19 vaccination must be in a stable general condition. Vaccine administration is impossible with:

• high fever

• exacerbation of chronic disease

• allergies

Vaccinations – post-vaccination reactions after COVID-19 vaccination

It should be remembered that mild deterioration of health or well-being is a response of the immune system that has been activated. This reaction can occur after any vaccination. We're talking about symptoms such as: headaches, fatigue and weakness, muscle and joint pain, chills, elevated temperature, vomiting, changes in the post-vaccination wound area – redness, pain, swelling.

COVID-19 vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccination is currently the most effective solution that will allow stopping the pandemic. The active substances of vaccines are responsible for antibody production and stimulate the immune system to action. By receiving the coronavirus vaccine, we obtain Vaccinated Person Status as well as:

• exemption from mandatory quarantine

• ability to travel outside Poland

• no quarantine after returning from countries with high risk of COVID-19 infection

• not counted in the person limit at public gatherings.

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