By: Chaïra Flanders
Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 28, 2020 (ZIZ News): As COVID-19 spreads across the world, restrictions that promote social distancing like curfews and 24hr lockdowns have boosted the sale of condoms, lubricants and enhancers which symbolizes an increase in sexual activity during the pandemic.
In an effort to clear up misconceptions about sex and COVID-19, Medical Chief of Staff at the Joseph N. France General Hospital in St. Kitts, Dr. CameronWilkinson reminded the viewing and listening audience that the virus can easily spread if persons stand within less than 6 feet of each other which is expected during sexual intercourse.
The Medical Chief of Staff was at the time presenting at a recently held National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) COVID-19 Daily Briefing.
“The Coronavirus is present in the respiratory secretions and then the droplets that come out and we also know that the virus is transmitted when someone is in Close contact with someone else and close contact is defined as less than 6 feet and so I assume that if someone is going to be having sexual intercourse they would be less than 6 feet within that distance of the person. Just by being within 6 feet of someone that can put you at risk for getting the Coronavirus”, he said.
He said that contact with saliva puts one at high risk for contracting the virus.
“We also know that since it is transmitted through droplets, if you are kissing then you’re basically exchanging saliva and that is much more significant than a few droplets that will come out of your mouth if you cough or sneeze and so that would put you at risk. However, we do not know whether or not the virus is present in vagina secretions or the semen to any significant level to be transmitted during the act of of physical intercourse”, Dr. Wilkinson explained.
Dr. Wilkinson then shared advice for persons who are concerned about contracting the virus from engaging in sexual activity.
He said, “If you are concerned about the Coronavirus and your partner has any symptoms, my advice to you is to avoid any close contact or having sex. If you’re concerned that your partner might be asymptomatic and you don’t want to catch the Coronavirus from that person, my advice to you is to avoid having sex. If you’re concerned about catching the Coronavirus from sex at all, then I suggest that you wait until we get a vaccine which is another year or so”
With a hint of humor, Dr. Wilkinson advised that using protection such as condoms and an N95 mask may help to reduce the risk of contracting the virus during intimate times.
He said however, that while this time is challenging, social distancing is the preferred safety measure and is extremely important to keep you and your loved ones safe.
While COVID-19 has not yet been found in semen or vaginal fluid, it has been found in feces of people who are infected.