COVID has changed our lives drastically over the past year and a half. Each day we gain a better understanding of how this virus functions and how it is spread. We know it’s contagious - but how can you get it? COVID is spread through droplets in the air from an infected person. This can happen when someone sneezes or coughs and you breathe in the infected droplets. COVID can also be spread through touching infected surfaces - door handles, counters, faucets, and other high-touch areas are vulnerable to transmitting disease. But here’s the million-dollar question - can you get COVID from sexual intercourse? Technically - yes!
While COVID is not defined as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is also very possible to catch from having sex. This is due to the circumstance and close contact. Intercourse requires extremely close contact and often the exchange of bodily fluids.
The combination of these two makes it extremely likely that COVID is transmitted from partner to partner. However, there are still ways to practice safe sex during COVID times. Some of them you probably already know!
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READ: Experts Explain Why Fully Vaccinated People are Still Getting Infected With COVID-19
1. Use protection!
Protection, protection, protection! This is extremely important and should be top-of-mind whenever having sex.
COVID is not the only transmittable disease - herpes, HPV, HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, etc. are still diseases to be wary of. Take every precaution to keep yourself and your partner(s) safe and healthy.
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Additionally, as COVID cases ebb and flow, the healthcare system has to respond to demand. In times when COVID cases are spiking, medical facilities or urgent care centers may not be able to accommodate you. Furthermore, going into these facilities can increase your exposure to COVID and possibly transmission.
2. Get tested consistently
This applies to both STIs and COVID. Many local health departments and reproductive health centers offer free or low-cost testing for patients. Getting a full panel of tests for STIs is a responsible way to monitor your health.
Additionally, getting tested for COVID can mitigate risk. Know your status and the status of your partner(s). Don’t be afraid to ask your partner to see test results - both STI and COVID. While this may seem
awkward at first, it’s worth it to protect your health.
Another question to ask is their vaccination status. Are they fully vaccinated? Are those around them fully vaccinated? If not, what precautions are they taking to avoid getting COVID? Ask these questions selfishly. While intimacy is a human need, so is good health.
3. Quarantine if needed
Are you ready to hook up with someone, but they’re outside of your COVID “bubble”? Consider quarantining or reducing the scope of people you interact with. Perhaps plan ahead two weeks and begin reducing your contact with others before a meet-up.
This not only limits your exposure, but also your time to get tested for COVID and receive a timely result. It’s also a great opportunity to use technology! If you’re both comfortable, consider using FaceTime or text to initiate intimacy. Take these moments to build anticipation and excitement.
4. Consider others
COVID has forced all of us to sacrifice and consider others in our decisions. Your individual actions can have a catastrophic ripple effect on those around you and beyond.
Think about which friends and family members are especially vulnerable to the virus. If you expose them to COVID, how likely are they to suffer severe effects? Are they immunocompromised? These are all considerations to think about and put the circumstances into perspective.
READ: COVID-19 Vaccines Boost Antibodies, Even in People With Weak Immune Systems
Since COVID is transmitted through droplets, it can be transmitted through any activity with close contact - sex included. Stay safe by taking the proper precautions and safety measures. Remember: ignorance is not bliss. True bliss comes from staying informed and taking the correct course of action from there.
