- Hey, guys, I'm Krista Curry.
Let's see if booze kills the coronavirus.
Welcome to the show.
You've probably noticed there's a pandemic outside,
like we're in some kind of a movie.
Although in movies, they get Dustin Hoffman
wearing a hazmat suit,
while we get people going full zombie mode
storming stores and buying all the protection masks,
hand sanitizers and for some reason, toilet paper.
Leave some TP to us you monsters.
When stores eventually run out of germ-killing gels,
people donned their MacGyver hats
and started making their own.
Everyone and their dog googled
"alcohol as sanitizer",
"what the hell is going on",
and "Everclear".
No, not the post-grunge band, the rectified spirit.
There are hundreds of recipes out there
telling us how to mix our own versions of Purell,
but does booze really kill the coronavirus?
If you ask the president of Belarus, he'll say,
"People should not only wash their hands with vodka
but also poison the virus with it."
Like he literally said that.
To make it even more effective, people should drink it
after coming out of the sauna,
because, you know, viruses,
they can't hold their liquor and
they flee at the sight of naked, old guys.
El presidente also said
that, "It's better to die standing
than to live on your knees"
which I believe is also a song by Miley Cyrus?
So again, is booze really
the coronavirus killer we're looking for?
Before we answer that, don't forget to subscribe
to our channel and hit that bell button.
We'll bring some ABV to your feed.
Now, let's see what's behind the logic of using alcohol
in the first place.
You've probably seen a ruggedly handsome hero
pouring perfectly good whiskey on a wound,
saying it will disinfect it before he winces
and uses something that's burning
to close the wound.
We know booze is a great anesthetic,
but a germ killer?
History tells us alcohol was used as an antiseptic
as early as the 14th century.
And alcohol-based hand sanitizers
are supposed to be the best,
but it needs to be at least 120 proof,
while only 180 proof is strong enough to kill
enveloped viruses.
That's what the coronavirus is:
and enveloped virus, meaning it's snugly protected
by a coat of fat.
I'm not body-shaming though, you do you, corona.
Also, leave us alone?
Now people have been using Tito's vodka
to make DIY hand sanitizer,
posting recipes and videos online.
The company even had to do a PSA on
how their otherwise great spirit
isn't nearly strong enough to deal with viral invaders.
Yeah, but you said 180 proof.
Everclear in our frat party jungle juice is 190 proof.
Am I invincible now?
Well, dear Kappa Sigma guy,
no you're not invincible,
but,
the diabolical strength Everclear has
will definitely evaporate the virus,
but only after it makes you drunk as hell.
The thing is, though, alcohol will burn your skin
and that's not something you need in your life right now,
which doesn't mean it won't work,
but it should only be used if there's no other option.
See, the problem with making your own hand sanitizer
is the chemistry behind it
and the correct ratio of stuff you put inside.
Red hands aren't even the worse thing that can happen.
If you screw up the precise recipe,
you'll end up with a completely useless product.
You'll still get infected,
and your hands will stink.
The World Health Organization said
a proper hand sanitizer needs:
denatured alcohol,
hydrogen peroxide,
glycerol,
and sterile water.
Now if that sounded like gibberish to you,
don't be Professor Farnsworth
and get yourself some soap.
Yep, the good old soap.
It's been around since the ancient Babylons
so we don't blame you if you forgot
how awesome an invention it is.
It's the best weapon we have against the viruses
and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds
will have a better effect than any hand sanitizer.
If you really, really want a hand sanitizer
that has some of your favorite booze inside,
wait for distilleries to make their first batch.
A lot of them stopped their usual production
to make hand sanitizer,
donating them to medical workers
and those who need it the most.
Koval, Woodford Reserve,
and Old Forester, just some of the producers
that pivoted from making liquor
to preventing you
from getting sicker.
No, the hand sanitizer won't be aged in oak.
Yes, there was an idea of a peated hand sanitizer
entertained by the Swedish distiller High Coast.
God, I hope they make it.
Look, I know these are scary times,
and we all want to do everything to protect ourselves
and the people we love,
but you shouldn't believe everything you read
on your aunt's Facebook feed.
Remember, wash your hands thoroughly with soap,
and don't waste that lovely whiskey.
Drink it.
Just use a clean glass.
That's it, for now.
Cheers.
Stay at home,
and take care of each other.
Bye!
(lasers zapping)