Please don’t drink bleach to ward off coronavirus

I can’t believe this even needs to be said, but please don’t swallow bleach.

There have been multiple claims on social media touting that one concoction or another involving the ingredients in bleach will help you ward off the coronavirus. Poison centers and the FDA are warning the public that this just isn’t so.

Here are a previous tweet and YouTube video that has since been removed claiming that a spray containing bleach will protect you from the virus.

“OH LORDY, It is going to get worse, much worse. The Evil Depopulation Agenda is in full swing. PROTECT YOURSELF. Get the 20-20-20 spray. watch this video. https://t.co/cWfMQZHoY5”
— chiefpolice (@chiefpolice2) January 28, 2020

While cleaning with bleach can be a good way to avoid sickness, swallowing it will have the opposite effect.

According to the FDA, one of the mixtures is being sold as Miracle Mineral Solution which describes the product as a liquid that is 28 percent sodium chlorite in distilled water. Product directions instruct people to mix the sodium chlorite solution with a citric acid, such as lemon or lime juice, or another acid before drinking. The FDA states that in many instances, the sodium chlorite is sold with a citric acid “activator.” When the acid is added, the mixture becomes chlorine dioxide, a powerful bleaching agent.

While the initial discovery of this particular product was before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the FDA has previously received reports of consumers who have suffered from severe vomiting, severe diarrhea, life-threatening low blood pressure caused by dehydration, and acute liver failure after drinking these products. Coronavirus isn’t starting to sound so bad compared to some of these symptoms.

By the way if you caught the meme about cocaine protecting you against COVID-19, that doesn’t work either. It led to so much concern that France had to put out a PSA to warn residents that cocaine does not ward off the virus.

While the thought of contracting COVID-19 may be a little scary, you are better off following these guidelines courtesy of the CDC:

• Clean your hands often
• Avoid close contact
• Stay home if you’re sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wear a facemask if you are sick
• Clean and disinfect