Whisky Was Medicine During 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic, And Why It Isn¡¯t So Today

When COVID-19 started picking up pace globally, a number of rumours and myths started to spread along with it.

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Also Read: How Did Spanish Flu (1918 Pandemic) End And What Can We Learn From History?

One of those was surrounding alcohol consumption as some smart individuals thought hand sanitisers have alcohol in them and since they can destroy COVID-19, consuming alcohol could ¡®sanitise¡¯ the inside of their bodies.

Although WHO was quick to issue a set of guidelines, busting the myths surrounding alcohol consumption and COVID-19, this wasn¡¯t the only pandemic people consumed alcohol because they thought it would help in their well being. A similar trend was also seen during the Spanish flu of 1918 and the poison of choice was whisky.

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A report by the Times of India, looked at its own reporting from the Spanish Flu days, dating back to April 4, 1919, which revealed that the demand for whisky had risen considerably.

The report stated, ¡°The demand for an increased issue of whisky emanates from those who would use sickness and death rate as an additional argument in favour of a relaxation."

"If whisky¡¯s sale is permitted, it is certain that much of it will be consumed for other than purely therapeutic purposes.¡±

Also Read: Drinking Any Amount Of Alcohol Can Damage Your Brain, Claims Study

The report went on to talk about the benefits of consuming whisky as described by the scientists, ¡°Whisky is not only a stimulant but a sedative too. It induces a sense of well-being and freedom from anxiety, which is certainly a help in resisting infection.¡±

Wikipedia

Of course, this comes at a time when the field of medicine didn¡¯t have any antibiotics or antivirals, so they were often seen experimenting with different treatments involving aspirin, strychnine, Horlicks, Vicks and whisky (as stated by CNTraveller).

WHO prohibits the consumption of alcohol during COVID-19

WHO, in its do¡¯s and don¡¯ts during the COVID-19 pandemic has strongly recommended that people should avoid alcohol altogether as alcohol is known to undermine the immune system.

Also Read: Why Sputnik-V Vaccine Prohibits Drinking Alcohol, And Should Indians Be Worried

WHO also asks people to not mix alcohol with medications even if they¡¯re herbal or as simple as ones available over the counter as it tends to make them less effective and at times even boost its potency to toxic and dangerous levels.

WHO also suggests people on medication affecting the central nervous system should not consume alcohol as it could interfere with their liver function, resulting in liver failure and other serious ailments.