As we continue striving to know more about this virus, COVID-19, one question is asked: Can the virus be sexually transmitted? The answer to this question is no. According to Dr. Jessica Justman, Senior Infectious Disease Specialist with the Division of Infectious Diseases at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, no discernible pattern of sexual transmission of the virus SARS-CoV-2 has been noted thus far. The main mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets and secondarily by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
01 October 2024
6 min read
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The Risk of Sexual Transmission of COVID-19
While the very notion of getting coronavirus through sex can be daunting, according to Dr. Carlos E Rodríguez-Díaz, a professor at the prestigious George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, there is no evidence to suggest one can get coronavirus via vaginal or anal intercourse. However, there is a certain chance because the virus is super contagious with saliva, for example. Data also depict the probable mode of transmission via the oral-fecal route, thus suggesting that the transmission of COVID-19 might well be facilitated through activities such as rimming or anilingus.
Deciphering COVID-19: Its Nature and Symptoms
COVID-19 is a new disease that took the world by storm hailing from China in 2019. This disease rapidly and intermittently spread worldwide and thus prompted the WHO and the U.S. CDC to declare it a pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the coronaviruses family of viruses responsible for diseases such as common colds, to severe pathologies like Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and SARS.
Recognizing the Signs of COVID-19
The signs of COVID-19 may vary but can be seen anytime between 2 to 14 days following virus exposure. Common manifestations include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some may also experience nasal congestion. COVID-19 can be a disease that is mild, but it can even be serious and life-threatening at times. According to the CDC, warning signs to seek immediate medical care include difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest that won't go away, a new confusion or being uninhibited, and bluish discoloration of the lips or face. If you or someone you know has one of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 virus mainly spreads from one person to another. To date, there is no evidence of transmission from infected humans to animals. The transmission could be through respiratory droplets generated upon coughing or sneezing by an infected person, although the exact contagiousness is not yet known. Major entrances into the body are the mouth, nasal cavity, and eyes. Another secondary mode of transmission may be through touching a contaminated surface and then touching the face.
Transmission Routes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex puts one at a very great risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. Kissing, fingering, rubbing or frottage, oral sex, and use of sex toys are all considered lower-risk behaviors. Use of inside condoms during vaginal or anal intercourse may reduce the chances of STD. One's life factors, such as having multiple sex partners or being bisexual, expose them to a higher risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infection.
Maintaining a Healthy Sexual Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. Julia Marcus, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Harvard Medical School, recommends that sexual intercourse, if both partners are SARS-CoV-2-negative and asymptomatic and stay together, carries no significant risk; rather, it can reduce stress and anxiety. If one partner is SARS-CoV-2-positive, self-isolation may be needed for as long as 14 days to avoid transmitting the virus.
Sexual Activities with New Partners During COVID-19
It follows, therefore, that health experts stoutly advise against physical socialization during the pandemic and consider it unwise to have sexual activities with new partners. Prevention against the COVID-19 virus is best effected when one stays at home and limits exposing oneself to other people. Fortunately, there are many safe alternatives in maintaining sexual expression, such as masturbation, sexting, and cybersex. Cleaning of sex toys with soap and water is recommended for prevention against COVID-19 virus and other STDs.
Essential Measures to Protect Against COVID-19
While as of this writing, there is no available vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, several preventive measures can be adopted to minimize the risk of infection. Following CDC guidelines, the best strategy is to avoid exposure to the virus. Key protective measures will help to reduce the chance of infection. Key measures include frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizers with a minimum of 60% alcohol, not touching the face, practicing social distancing, avoiding crowded places, and reducing close contact with ill persons.
Spread COVID-19 to Others
Everyone should play an important role in the control of COVID-19. If you are experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay home. If you have come in contact with a COVID-19-positive individual, work on your self-confinement to avoid any possible transmission. Cough into tissue paper or into your elbow. Dispose of the tissue paper immediately after using and wash your hands thereafter. Wearing a facemask is highly encouraged. Lastly, cleaning and disinfection of general household surfaces and personal items, such as cell phones, are to be carried out frequently.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and COVID-19
Severe illness from COVID-19 is more likely to occur in older adults, people with chronic diseases, or those with immunocompromised conditions. Some untreated STDs will lead to serious chronic diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis, making one more vulnerable to COVID-19. Regular testing for STDs, keeping a healthy lifestyle, and boosting the immune system will help maintain general health and reduce the risk of COVID-19 complications.
COVID-19 requires an awareness of its nature, symptoms, and modes of transmission to be contained in its spread. Considering sexual transmission of COVID-19 is still not definitely established, precautions, especially with new or multiple partners, are recommended. Regular washing of hands, putting on masks, and keeping social distancing remain the cardinal defenses against this ongoing pandemic. As we forge ahead through these challenging times, it remains critically important to become better informed and resolute in vigilance.
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