We investigated whether higher amounts and frequencies of alcohol use were associated with increased risk of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 15,980,069 individuals who underwent routine health examinations between 2009 and 2010 were followed from November 13, 2020 until July 6, 2021 for COVID-19 incidence through national database linkage. Alcohol use was assessed via a structured questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate adjusted HRs. During follow-up, 47,308 individuals were diagnosed with COVID-19. Compared with current nondrinkers, individuals consuming <2, 2 to 3.9, 4 to 6.9, and ≥7 drinks per day had hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.06), 1.13 (1.09–1.18), 1.17 (1.12–1.23), and 1.22 (1.14–1.31), respectively ( P for trend <.001). For alcohol use frequency, those drinking 1 to 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 7 days per week had HRs of 1.08 (1.05–1.10), 1.19 (1.14–1.23), and 1.11 (1.05–1.17), respectively, compared with those drinking less than once per week ( P for trend <.001). Associations were stronger in women; even <1 drink per day was associated with elevated risk (HR = 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.10). Age-specific associations differed by sex. Higher amounts and more frequent alcohol intake were associated with higher risk of COVID-19. Associations varied by sex and age. Further studies are needed to clarify whether sex- and age-specific public health guidance on alcohol consumption can reduce COVID-19 transmission.
Kwon et al. (Fri,) studied this question.