With coronavirus raging across the globe and panic setting in, people are looking for answers on how they can protect themselves from the deadly virus.
Many are opting for face masks – which, as it happens, may not actually protect you at all, with one doctor claiming these are ‘useless’ in fighting off the infection – while others are investing in copious amounts of antibacterial gels, creams and soap, as well as gloves.
Some people are choosing to self-isolate themselves and are being more cautious in public spaces, avoiding contact with strangers – but what about the most intimate contact of all?
We are, of course, talking about sex.
Little is known about how the virus spreads when people share bodily fluids.
When it comes to other sexually transmitted infections, condoms are always the safest bet to protecting yourself, but will these actually make a difference when it comes to coronavirus?
Can condoms protect you from coronavirus?
So far, there have been 83,000 documented cases of coronavirus infections, with the number steadily rising over the past few weeks.
‘Because this strain of coronavirus is new, we don’t know exactly how infections are spread from person to person,’ says Dr Simran Deo at UK-based online doctor, Zava UK.
‘However, we do know that similar conditions are spread through coughing and sneezing, and the droplets produced.
‘Experts suspect the same is true of COVID-19, but more research is being done.’
Similarly to how you’re better off not getting freaky with someone who has the common cold, it’s best to not get up close and personal with people who are showing coronavirus symptoms.
Because unlike the flu or other treatable infections, this encounter could have fatal consequences – whether you use condoms or not.
‘The official guidance issued by the NHS and other health bodies tells us to avoid contact with those who have been infected,’ explains Dr Deo.
‘Epidemiologists are encouraging people to limit or avoid physical displays of affection while the ways that coronavirus is spread are identified, so having sex with someone who has coronavirus – or who is under quarantine during the virus’s incubation phase – is certainly not advised.’
If you are under the impression that you could just turn your partner around to avoid coughing on them, note that this is not a viable solution either as the virus is airborne.
‘While there isn’t any evidence that bodily fluids like sperm and vaginal secretion can pass on coronavirus, it’s always a good idea to practise safe sex and use a condom, to help protect from sexually transmitted infections as well as accidental pregnancy,’ adds Dr Deo.
OK, so sex is off the table, but what about kissing?
The answer here is also no – and that includes eskimo kisses with face masks because, as mentioned, these may provide little or no protection.
‘Regarding face masks, there’s very little evidence that the masks on sale actually help,’ adds Dr Simran.
‘The virus can get in the top and bottom and possibly even through the fibres.
‘In reality, a tissue works just as well at catching germs and preventing further infection, just make sure you throw it away and wash your hands straight away.’
If reaching climax on a regular basis is a major concern, this may be the perfect opportunity to invest in a snazzy sex toy and have some safe fun on your own.
Coronavirus symptoms
Feeling unwell and concerned that you might have been infected with COVID-19?
According to the NHS, the following are symptoms of coronavirus:
- a cough
- a high temperature
- shortness of breath
However, note that showing these symptoms does ‘not necessarily mean you have the illness’.
If you’ve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus (in or outside the bedroom) and you believe that you might have contracted coronavirus, the NHS instructs that you should not go to a hospital or to your GP.
Instead, call 111 or use the online service.
In other coronavirus news, Instagram influencers are seeing the crisis as an opportunity to get creative, by sharing makeup tutorials on social media with advice on how to perfect your eye look while wearing a face mask.
Well, that’s one way to entertain yourself during a pandemic, we suppose.
Are you taking a sex or dating hiatus because you’re concerned about coronavirus?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk. Share your views in the comments below.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/28/can-condoms-protect-coronavirus-sex-12319047/?ITO=squid
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