Trump suggests injecting disinfectant to kill coronavirus. Here’s why he’s wrong

During a press conference at the White House on Thursday, President Donald Trump came up with the idea of ​​injecting disinfectants or using ultraviolet or “very strong” light as a coronavirus agent in the body. Disinfectants are toxic chemicals that are toxic to the human body and should not be injected. Similarly, ultraviolet light contains energy strong enough to damage DNA.

“I see the disinfectant that turns it off in a minute” Trump saidand contacted Deborah Birx, the coronavirus response coordinator on the White House Task Force, and Bill Bryan, director of science and technology in the Department of Homeland Security. “Is there a way to do this by injecting yourself inside or almost by cleaning?” he asked.

Both claims were immediately criticized by doctors and doctors.

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Hello ER Doc here.

Do NOT inject or consume disinfectants to kill COVID19.

– Sam Ghali, M.D. (@EM_RESUS) April 23, 2020

The President’s allegations came after a brief presentation by Bryan showing a slide that discussed how common disinfectants such as bleach and Isopropyl alcohol can work to kill the virus. These are disinfectants just useful in killing corona virus on surfaces, outside the human body, like kitchen countertops and tables. They are poisonous. They should never be taken or injected.

“They are not intended for internal consumption,” says Ian Musgrave, pharmacologist and lecturer at the University of Adelaide. “Things like disinfectants and bleach are very good at killing viruses and bacteria, but they’re also very good at killing our own cells.”

Musgrave points out the purpose of one drug is intended to “specifically” target viruses and bacteria without harming the human body. Disinfectants and UV light are not medications. “These things can’t tell the difference between viruses and your own cells,” he says.

You cannot disinfect your body from the inside.

Many disinfectants, such as household bleach, can cause significant organ damage in the gastrointestinal tract and throat when ingested in large quantities. Musgrave notes that this is “incredibly painful and not pleasant”. Vapors can cause lung injuries. Injection of disinfectants can be particularly harmful – This emerges from a case study published in 2013 in the journal Toxicology Observation – where a patient’s blood cells were blown apart by household bleaching and a kidney transplant was required.

Thursday’s briefing at the White House also included the phrase “sunlight hinders virus transmission,” and Trump appeared to announce ultraviolet or “very strong light” as a possible treatment option when “brought into the body.” The Current advice from the World Health Organization on UV lamps it is “should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of the skin.” Ultraviolet light – like that emitted by the sun and other sources – is It is known to damage the skin and is the cause of virtually all skin cancers.

Both UV and disinfectants should only be used to clean surfaces.

“If you want to disinfect surfaces, ultraviolet can disinfect surfaces very well,” says Musgrave, “and it’s great to rub your benches and table tops with 70% alcohol” before repeating that they’re not meant to be swallowed.

The best ways to protect yourself of COVID-19 remain:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Social distancing
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose
• Practice good breathing hygiene

There is No FDA approved treatments or vaccines to the Dealing with a COVID-19 infection. Instead, doctors treat the symptoms of the disease as best they can. Dozens of potential treatment options are under investigation around the world, but none have passed safety and effectiveness studies in humans.