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Photo by De an Sun on Unsplash
During quarantine, people have been able to spend significantly more time at home with their partners and loved ones. There are also some places that have not been affected by the epidemic and have not been locked down (people can still go out and socialize).
So, the question is, with cases growing exponentially and research still ongoing, can you get Covid-19 through sex?
What do the experts say?
The World Health Organization states that “While coronavirus is not usually sexually transmitted, it is still too early to tell.”
But the important information within offers a different perspective—and is sure to influence adult sex gatherings…
“What we know now is that COVID-19 is present in respiratory secretions,” Kristin Englund, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic’s infectious diseases division, told Health.com. “The virus can be spread through ‘close contact’ with someone, which is usually defined as Six foot tall manIf you are kissing or having sex, then you are well within that limit… If your partner has the virus, you are potentially at risk.”
It seems that if simple kissing (or just standing next to someone) can spread the virus, then the intimacy you experience through simple proximity during sex could also increase the risk.
interesting: Condom sales have apparently increased in China, so people seem to still be doing it.
More useful information
What are viral droplets?
A virus basically needs a drop of mucus or saliva to spread. It attaches to cells in this initial environment, takes over, reproduces, and then spreads to the next host. Granted, there’s a difference between a French kiss and a peck on the cheek, but you get my point.
Why wash your hands?
The short, less scientific explanation is that a virus is a nanoparticle with a lipid (fat) bilayer. The soap dissolves the fat layer and the virus breaks down. That’s why you need to scrub for at least 20 seconds. You need to create a lather to give the soap a chance to work.
This doesn’t just apply to special epidemics/viruses, or situations where you want to maintain intimacy. It should be done all the time.
Why this specific distance?
When you cough, droplets can travel into the air and land on other people. Especially when you sneeze, droplets can travel more than 10 meters! That’s why you should cover your mouth or cough with your arm.
Social Distancing
At present, this is necessary and responsible. Overall, this is not That long (Some people go months or even years without dating and sex.) However, those who are used to having an active sex/love life may experience this lull the hard way.
But even if you do it doggy style, without kissing, you’re still increasing your chances of infection. Holding hands and hugging are also a problem. Imagine how strange greetings are now, when in Europe, some places kiss each other on the cheek.
How far is the distance?
For example, during the outbreak, I had a severe fever and other suspicious symptoms. However, because the hospital was overcrowded and the city was under lockdown, the medical hotline said“Okay, we’ve determined that you have an infection. If you have respiratory problems, we can send an ambulance.”
It was understandable. I felt terrible, but my body was fighting. The extreme distancing measures we were advised to take included my partner and I staying in separate rooms and avoiding each other completely while I recovered and for two weeks afterwards.
This is a form of physical distancing that people don’t think of. It’s bad. But when there are vulnerable people in your home or even in your community, two weeks of quarantine is a small price to pay.
COVID 19 and Sex – How to Stay Safe?
Well, that depends on how serious you are about it (which I recommend you do) and what your current government mandate allows.
As of this writing, some cities have almost everyone staying home, while others are still allowing gatherings of five people or less (excluding families, etc.). The situation is also changing day by day.
In addition to paying attention to relevant information and sticking to trustworthy sources, you should also…
- Wash your hands frequently
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces every day
- Buying needed items in bulk (no hoarding)
- Avoid close contact with people
- Avoid crowded places
- Use the WHO website for the latest information
Don’t listen to rumors
There’s a fake or hoax version of everything on the internet – Photoshop seems to be both a boon and a bane.
A news photo from CNN is being widely circulated…
The screenshot has been altered from its original form and superimposed with different statements about the virus – from sex to vodka being able to “kill” the virus.
If you’re looking for more information or tips on how to maintain intimacy during extended periods of time at home, you might want to try these articles…
What have you been doing to stay safe during lockdown? Any tips or stories you’d like to share about COVID and sex?