Photo by De an Sun on Unsplash
With the quarantines, people are home with their partners and lovers for significantly more hours. There are also places that haven’t got hit yet and are not on lockdown (and people can still go outside and be social).
So, the question is, with all the cases exponentially popping up, and research still underway, can you get Covid-19 from sex?
WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY?
The W.H.O. said, “Though coronaviruses are not typically sexually transmitted, it’s too soon to know.”
But there is vital information that adds a different perspective – and definitely something that affects adult gatherings of a sexual nature…
“What we know thus far is that COVID-19 is present in respiratory secretions,” Kristin Englund, MD, of the department of infectious disease at the Cleveland Clinic told Health.com. “The virus can spread from ‘close contact” with someone, with close contact generally defined as being within six feet of a person. If you’re kissing or having sex, well, you’re well within this limit…and potentially at risk if your partner carries the virus.”
It seems that if simple kissing (or just standing next to someone) can spread it, then the closeness you’ll experience during sex, by simple proximity, is also an increased risk.
INTERESTING: In China, apparently condom sales have increased, so people seem to be doing it anyway.
MORE USEFUL INFORMATION
What’s a viral droplet?
The virus basically needs to ride with a drop of mucus or saliva. It attaches to a cell in this primes environment, takes over, reproduces, and then goes to the next host. Granted, there’s a difference between a French kiss and a peck on the cheek, but you get the idea.
Why wash your hands?
The short, less science-y, way of explaining it is that a virus is a nanoparticle with lipid (fatty) bilayer. Soap dissolves the fat layer and the virus falls apart. This is why you need to scrub for at least 20 seconds. You need to build up suds and give the soap a chance to do its job.
This isn’t just for special pandemics/ viruses, or if you want to stay intimate. It should be done all the time.
Why the specific distance?
When you cough, droplets are spread throughout the air and land on other people. Sneezing especially can spread it upwards of 10 meters! This is why you should cover your mouth or cough into your arm.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Currently, it’s necessary. It’s responsible. And, in the grand scheme of things, it’s really not that long (some people go months or even years without dates and sex). However, those who are used to an active sex/love life might be feeling the lull in hard ways.
But, even if you do it doggy style with no kissy-kissy, you’re still increasing your chances of infection. Holding hands and hugging are also a problem. Imagine in Europe, where some places give a kiss on each cheek, how weird greetings are now.
How extreme is the distancing?
For example, I landed a horrible fever and other suspect symptoms during the outbreak. However, with the hospitals being overwhelmed and the city on lockdown, the medical hotline said, “Okay, we are putting you down as infected. If you change to having breathing issues, then we can send an ambulance.”
It’s understandable. I felt like utter crap but my body was fighting it. The extremes of distancing we suggested as far as having my partner stay in a different room from me and totally avoiding each other while I healed and for two weeks after.
This is a form of distancing that people don’t think about. It sucks, yes. But, when there are susceptible people at home, or even in your community, two weeks is a small price to pay
COVID 19 AND SEX – HOW TO STAY SAFE?
Well, it depends on how seriously you take it (which I suggest you do) and what your current government mandate allows.
As of the writing of this article, some cities have nearly everyone staying at home, while other countries are still allowing gatherings of five people or less (excluding households, etc.). Things can also change on a daily basis.
Aside from keeping up with relevant information and sticking to trusted sources, you should…
- Regularly wash your hands
- Sanitize commonly touched surfaces every day
- Buy larger amounts of what you need (without hoarding)
- Avoid close contact with people
- Avoid large crowds
- Use the W.H.O. site for updates
DON’T GIVE IN TO GOSSIP
With anything on the internet, there are fake versions or joke versions – Photoshop seems to be a blessing and a curse.
One CNN newscast image is making the rounds…
The screenshot has been altered from its original form and overlaid with different captions regarding the virus – from sex to vodka being able to “kill” it.
If you’re looking for more information or ways to stay intimate during long periods at home, you might want to try these articles…
- Dating, Sex and the Coronavirus – What is Happening Right Now?
- 30 Sexy Things to Do When You’re Stuck Inside
- Don’t Be Dirty! Bad Sexual Hygiene Practices
What are you doing to stay safe during lockdown? Any covid 19 and sex tips or stories you want to share?
