Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the COVID-19 virus?

Spraying alcohol or bleach all over your body is not recommended and is not effective in killing the COVID-19 virus. Here are some reasons why this is not a good method.

Alcohol and chlorine are effective at disinfecting surfaces, but spraying your skin or body will not kill the virus if it is already in your body. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that multiplies in the airways and lungs.

Applying alcohol or chlorine to your skin can cause severe irritation, dryness, and chemical burns. These substances are not intended for use on the skin and can be harmful if used incorrectly. Inhaling alcohol or chlorine fumes can be harmful to the airways and lungs, and can cause irritation or damage to the airways.

Alcohol (minimum 70%) and diluted bleach (chlorine) solutions can be effective at disinfecting hard surfaces and killing viruses on those surfaces. For household disinfection, you can make a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to clean surfaces. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands if soap and water are not available. This is effective at killing viruses on the hands.

Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body is not effective and can be harmful. Use these products only for their intended purpose, such as disinfecting surfaces.

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-12-09 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024