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!
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.
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