Can a health care worker have sex in the time of COVID-19?

Abstract

Covid-19 is not transmitted by sex but close proximity during the act could aide in spread of the disease. Health care workers by virtue of the nature of their work have higher chances of exposure to the virus and them indulging in sex needs risk reduction strategies.

Sex is a normal and important part of life but COVID-19 pandemic is no normal time. Health care workers [HCW] are well equipped with all the of safety guidelines to protect themselves and their family from getting infected. However, there is a lot of ambiguity about them having sex with their regular partners as it overlooks all the safety principles of social distancing practiced by allowing a sustained close physical contact with their partner [1]. In this short write up an effort has been made to answer the pertinent question of health care workers having a sex life during this pandemic.

Covid-19 is not a sexually transmitted disease and it is basically a respiratory disease spreads by respiratory droplets generated while coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing or breathing. It can also be spread through the hand mediated transfer of the virus SARS-CoV-2 from the contaminated fomites to the mouth, nose or eyes [2]. This pathogenic virus, could also be shed in the saliva, semen and feces but its presence in the vaginal fluid is not yet confirmed [[3], [4], [5]]. So, it is natural that kissing could spread the infection by direct contact with the saliva and also inhalation of breath air of the partner due to obvious very close contact. Though the transmission of the virus through faeces, or during vaginal or anal intercourse or oral sex appears to be extremely unlikely at this time [6]; in the future studies could emerge showing the transmission of the infection by sexual contact as the infected persons and those who recovered have shown presence of virus in their semen [4].

Health care workers are by virtue of the very nature of their work, theoretically do get exposed to the virus on a daily basis despite of adequate safety precautions though they could be considered low risk exposures as per CDC norms [7]. However, decisions regarding living in close intimacy or self-quarantine throughout the period of hospital work is purely a personal decision as there are no evidence-based guidelines available at present [6]. But, it is reassuring fact that previous experience with other corona viruses that they do not easily spread through sex [8].

Sex life would be safer by minimizing the risk of spreading the COVID-19 and at the same time enjoyable for the health care workers if they follow some of health tips given below and they are also applicable to the public in general [8].

• •You are, your safest sex partner. Solo sex or masturbation is quite safe and satisfying option as it does not transmit COVID-19, provided the hands are washed as per guidance using soap and water before and after the act.
• •Sex toys are the next best bet and again wash them too as above
• •
  Spouse or live in relative is the third safest option

  • • ▪
      Select open, large and well-ventilated spaces
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      Wash up before and after the sex
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      Avoid kissing
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      Wear face mask or face covering which covers the mouth and nose to provide a layer of protection as heavy breathing, panting can spread virus
    • ▪
      Creative or innovations with sex positions so as to avoid face to face contact could limit the exposure to the virus
    • ▪
      Condoms and dental dams reduce contact with saliva, semen or feces which are shown to harbor the virus
    • ▪
      Do not touch your or partner’s eyes, nose, mouth or unwashed hands
    • ▪
      Sexual gratification and experience orgasm could also be attained by the involved couples without vaginal intercourse by way of the spouse masturbating for men using hands and for women clitoral stimulation by male partner. This again categorically avoids face to face contact
    • ▪
      Avoid sex if any one of the partners have fever, cough or unwell
• •Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

So, it is imperative that a health care worker while indulging in sex life during time of COVID-19 to follow strict risk reduction strategies to self and the partner in the best interest of the community at large. However, as the knowledge regarding this novel virus is continuously evolving on regular basis, we have more questions than answers at present.

Funds received

Nil.

Ethical clearance

Not applicable.

Declaration of Competing Interest

None.