The following is excerpted from Gonzalo R. Quintana Zunino's article, "Coronavirus and Sex: Dos and Don'ts During Social Distancing," first published at The Conversation, March 24, 2020.
Lately, the one topic the entire world is concerned about is the novel coronavirus.
In line with that, as a
sex positive neuroscience sex
researcher, I am writing this article with a couple of goals: to inform readers how sex relates to the current pandemic, and to prevent the spread of myths and misinformation in an agitated social environment.
Given the common modes of transmission of respiratory viruses, engaging in certain types of sexual activities may risk spreading the virus. However, expecting people to abstain from sex during times of isolation is unrealistic.
In the current situation, since sex is not a priority as a topic of discussion, misinformation can be easily fostered. People could unwillingly exacerbate the spread of the virus if they do not take the necessary precautions.
So, after washing our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, let’s get down to business!
Sex and COVID-19
Can the coronavirus be transmitted sexually? The answer is simple: we do not know. At the moment, there is no reliable research, official communication or scientific report from trusted authorities.
Sexual transmission is not the same as contracting the virus from your sexual partner. You can easily contract the virus from an infected sexual partner by activities like kissing — just not through sexual transmission. That term is defined as
transmission through sexual contact and fluids including vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Christian Lindmeier, a spokesperson for WHO — the World Health Organization — told the
New York Times that
coronaviruses are not typically sexually transmitted. According to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are seven types of coronaviruses, all of which typically affect the respiratory tract in humans.
Other infectious disease experts
support these observations. But the
coronavirus may not be limited to the respiratory tract. There is
some evidence that it has been
found in the feces of infected patients, although the
CDC expects the risk of transmission is low.
The novel coranavirus
spreads via droplets that are expelled when infected people exhale, cough or sneeze. Others become infected by inhaling these droplets, or touching them on a surface and then touching their face. Thus, chances of getting the virus through sexual activities with an infected person is almost certain.
Since the virus is present in respiratory secretions, it is easy to assume almost any sexual practice would lead to its transmission due to close contact. This is not the time to have that sexy social gathering.
The executive director of the American adult industry workers’ coalition, Michelle L. LeBlanc,
called for a voluntary shutdown of all adult entertainment productions during the pandemic to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Does isolation mean no sex?
Sexual behaviour is a realm where variety is highly valued. Although it is practically impossible to ask people not to have sex, perhaps we could help by suggesting simple and small experimenting?
Since you can be infected with the virus and
not have symptoms, the only reliable way to know if you or your partner are infected is through testing. If you and your partner have no symptoms and have stayed at home, then sex likely poses no risk.
We can contribute to the control of the COVID-19 pandemic by taking a few precautions. We can also learn to thrive differently in times of sexual need.
Gonzalo R. Quintana Zunino continues his article with "a few general recommendations to keep in mind that can reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission" during sexual activity. To read his article in its entirety click here.
At The Leveret's brother site, The Wild Reed, see the related posts:
• Hope and Beauty in the Midst of the Global Coronavirus Pandemic
• A Prayer in Times of a Pandemic 
