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Common myths about alcohol and COVID-19 Myth: Drinking alcohol kills the virus that causes COVID-19. Truth: Drinking alcohol does not kill the virus. Conversely, drinking alcohol can increase health risks if a person becomes infected with the virus. Alcohol (at a concentration of at least 60%) can be effectively used to disinfect the skin, but it does not have a disinfectant effect when ingested. Myth: Drinking strong alcoholic beverages destroys the virus particles in the air you breathe. Truth: Drinking alcohol does not help kill viral particles in the air you breathe, does not disinfect your mouth and throat, and is in no way a way to protect yourself from the virus. Myth: Drinking alcohol (in the form of beer, wine, distilled spirits, or herbal spirits) strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance to the virus. Truth: Drinking alcohol has a devastating effect on your immune system and does not strengthen your immune system or increase your bo