Alcohol Intolerance Emerges as Potential Symptom of Long COVID, According to Recent Study

(Photo: Mika Baumeister/Unsplash)

A recent study by Stanford doctors has identified a possible link between alcohol intolerance and long COVID. Four people saw their relationship with alcohol change as part of experiencing the effects of long-term coronavirus. 

The research published in December documented four people experiencing symptoms of long COVID. Reportedly, all four individuals at one point drank in social situations on a regular basis prior to contracting the virus. However, the patients saw a change in their alcohol tolerances after getting COVID including headaches and hangovers. One of the patients, identified as a woman, found that she could not move after just one glass of wine. 

“Unfortunately, their social life was suffering as a result of it,” Dr. Tanya Melnik said, as reported by KARE11. “They had to overhaul what they do with their friends and family.”

According to Dr. Melnik, alcohol is typically not a concern for most patients. As she put it, “Usually they have bigger fish to fry, so to speak.” At the Minneapolis-based clinic, few people experiencing long COVID have brought up concerns of alcohol tolerance but doctors also do not ask about it. 

Stanford researchers require a more in-depth study to better understand the link between coronavirus and alcohol intolerance. The researchers recommended that patients be asked about their experience with alcohol by doctors. The results of the relationship between alcohol reactions and long COVID are one aspect of a broader study, further focus and research would be required to directly link the two. 

“This information can provide insights into potential triggers for worsening symptoms and help guide lifestyle management strategies,” wrote the researchers in their study. 

Currently, there is not enough data for researchers to determine a “definitive causal link” between long COVID and alcohol sensitivity. More research would have to be conducted on a larger group of people to determine the validity of this initial result based on a small number of participants. 

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