We’ve been instructed to practice social distancing in our everyday lives, staying a minimum 1.5metres away from others. So what does that mean for you and your partner especially when it comes to sex during COVID-19?
Does it mean no more hanky panky for parents until the coronavirus pandemic is officially over?
According to Professor Paul Hunter from the School of Medicine at the University of East Anglia in the UK, it’s not a very straightforward answer, and we should all use our good old common sense before thinking about getting intimate.
Sex during COVID-19: What the Expert Say
Couples are wondering if they need to keep their distance when it comes to sex during COVID-19. | Photo: iStock
When you can have sex
According to the professor, if you’re well and only social distancing as a precaution, then you’ve got the green light for some action in the bedroom.
“If you are free of symptoms but are social distancing, then there are no reasons why you cannot continue to have sex with your partner when you live together,” he told news.com.au.
When you shouldn’t have sex
If your partner is showing symptoms such as a cough or fever, it’s best to stay away – especially if they’re classified as someone more vulnerable.
“If you partner is in one of the vulnerable groups because of age, pre-existing disease or she is pregnant, then you need to stay away from them as much as possible and this would mean avoid sex for the first seven days,” the professor said.
Same goes if you don’t live with your partner.
“If your partner does not live with you then they should be staying away.
“The evidence is unclear about whether vigorous exercise is bad for you when you are acutely unwell with fever or pneumonia. Nevertheless, it would probably be best to avoid sex while you feel poorly.”
No need to completely distance if you’re both feeling well and haven’t been in direct contact with someone. | Photo: iStock
Just be sensible
While it is unlikely the virus can spread through intercourse, the professor urges everyone to just be sensible when having sex.
“Even during sex, the main risk probably comes from being close face-to-face through droplet spread, through kissing and touching each other’s faces,” he said.
“I am not aware of any evidence to date that the infection can be spread through vaginal intercourse per se. So, please continue to wash your hands regularly and especially before sex.”
Australia’s Department of Health has echoed professor Hunter’s advice, saying it’s getting intimate with your partner during these hard times is a “matter of common sense.”
Bottom line, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds beforehand and try and avoid touching your partner’s face with unwashed hands.
This post was first published on Kidspot and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.
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