Everyone in a mask and some gloves. At least that’s how we were supposed to
fight the ravaging virus. On the contrary, many have formed anti-mask leagues across
the world, claiming that masks are irritating and uncomfortable.
This is actually backed by science. Most surgical facemasks are coated with
quaternary ammonium before use for pre-sanitization. Research has found that
Quaternary Ammonium compounds, popularly known as quats, can cause toxic effects
by all means of exposure. Quats are lung irritants that contribute to asthma and other
respiratory illnesses.
The safest way to prevent this is by wearing masks properly. However, the world
has gone against the grain by promoting the use of strong alcohol to cure Covid19. The
promoters of this idea claim that alcohol sanitizes the throat and stomach the same way
sanitizers kill surface germs. This is despite constant warning by WHO and other
medical personnel that alcohol weakens the immune system, making one more
susceptible to the virus.
There is a difference between alcohol consumption and misuse, though the line
is somewhat blurred. Kathy Jung of the US National Institute Of Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism (NIAAA) said there is evidence that short-term alcohol misuse can suppress
the immune function, hence suppressing the ability to defend against the respiratory
infection in the short-run. In the long term, alcohol misuse increases the risk for
respiratory infections and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). According to
Mayo Clinic, ARDS is a condition seen mostly in more severe cases of CoV.
One of the most extreme stories of alcohol misuse in the mass media is the case
of a man who drank 91% rubbing alcohol after touching his face at a store in the US. He
believed that he had contracted the virus, and did this to protect himself, only to end up
damaging his brain.
In Iran, the use of alcohol to cure coronavirus has killed at least 27 people. Since
Iran is an Islam country and consumption alcohol is not available, many turned to
industrial grade alcohols, like the ones used in sanitizers.
Here at home, there are new menus inspired by the daily Covid19 briefings. Sly
Kenyans have crafted new ways to misuse alcohol since the Health CS Mutahi Kagwe
announced the reopening of pubs. Kagwe is now a menu item that comprises 2 beers
and a sausage or two (nairobinews.nation.co.ke, pulselive.co.ke, capitalfm.co.ke)
Nairobi Governor, Mike Mbuvi Kioko `Sonko’ also stole international headlines
when he distributed large amounts of alcohol and food to Nairobians who couldn’t afford
essential commodities during the lockdown. He claimed that Hennessy contained
healing properties against Covid19, prompting LMVH Moet Hennessy to issue a public
statement denying the claims (business.humanrights.org, LMVHMoet Hennessy, CNN).
Wayne Francis Wambua, Friends School Kamusinga, Kimilili
However, the Governor’s good intentions ended up endangering many lives after
he promoted the alcohol donations on air. He had unknowingly promoted alcohol
misuse, especially among the youth and minors. In the long run, it is my hope that we
shall all be in one piece when we resume our studie
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