March 20, 2020

Vodka vs. Coronavirus


Vodka vs. Coronavirus
Can vodka help defeat coronavirus?
Chris Ralston on Unsplash

As it turns out, vodka cannot help defend against the coronavirus, according to Evgeny Bryun, chief narcologist at Russia’s Ministry of Health. Bryun said that any infection is toxic to the body, and alcohol only adds to that toxicity.

Moreover, Bryun added that there is no point in using vodka to sterilize your hands. Alcohol evaporates from surfaces very quickly, so you would need to be constantly sterilizing your hands with vodka for there to be any effect. (Vodka is, moreover, just 40 percent alcohol, and a 60 percent concentration is recommended for killing those corona beasties.)

For those who try to use alcohol to disinfect their mouths, Bryun reminded folks that viruses enter the body through mucous membranes, not only those in the oral cavity, but also the eyes and nose, “…and pouring alcohol in there is problematic,” he said.

Bryun concluded by adding that smoking will also not help against the coronavirus.

You Might Also Like

The Most Useful Russian Inventions
  • May 07, 2015

The Most Useful Russian Inventions

What do radio, television, the periodic table, and helicopters have in common? Russians were involved in developing all of them – and more!
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955