More couples are having long distance relationships due to the restrictions imposed by the U.S. government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It’s hard to be romantic when you’re standing 6 feet apart from each other.
Many are concerned about exchanging body fluids during the pandemic. They worry if they can contract the virus through kissing or vaginal/anal intercourse.
Experts say the virus is not transmitted via sexual intercourse but it is spread through saliva. Kissing can transmit the virus.
Dr, Michael Chang, an infectious specialist at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, tells the Atlantic that whenever you’re very close to each other — whether that means kissing, sexual activity, or cuddling — you risk exposing yourself to the virus.
Dr. Chang says, “If you’re engaging in any type of sexual activity, there’s a high probability that saliva is going to get everywhere. Even if [COVID-19] is not a classically transmitted sexual infection, there’s certainly a lot of opportunity for it to spread.”
Carolyn Cannuscio, director of research at the Center for Public Health Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, says couples who are monogamous should be safe.
“If you’re in a steady, monogamous relationship and you and that other person are limiting your social contacts, then be as intimate as you want to be.”
But if your partner is sick, you should avoid contact with them.
This may be a good time to brush up on your sexting skills.
