Covid-19 can be transmitted during sex, but that doesn’t mean it’s a sexually transmitted infection like HIV. In fact, the likelihood of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus increases when you are in the same environment as an already infected person. The chances intensify even more at very small distances or during a kiss, for example.

In other words, the risk of contracting covid does not necessarily involve sexual intercourse, but the fact of being so close – and without masks – to a person who is infected, regardless of the activities they perform.

How is Covid transmitted?

The coronavirus spreads through respiratory droplets, released when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. In turn, the droplets can be inhaled and thus contaminate nearby people who were otherwise healthy. In addition, infected saliva can also be exchanged during kissing or other sexual activities.

Another issue is that infected individuals spread respiratory droplets on their skin and personal belongings. In this sense, the sexual partner can contract the coronavirus by touching these surfaces and then bringing their hand to their mouth, nose or eyes. However, “the risk of infection from contact with contaminated surfaces is low,” reports the Mayo Clinic.

Is coronavirus sexually transmitted?

Thinking exclusively about the ability of the covid-19 virus to be sexually transmitted, so far, science has not found evidence of this type of contagion. Basically, semen or vaginal fluids do not specifically transmit the coronavirus, but they can still carry numerous STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) such as HPV. Therefore, the use of condoms is always recommended.

Although evidence of sexual transmission of covid-19 is lacking, “the virus has been detected in the semen of people who have or are recovering from the virus. Further research is needed to determine if the COVID-19 virus could be transmitted sexually”, explains the Mayo Clinic.

Previously, it has been observed that the coronavirus can spread through contact with feces of infected people. “It’s possible that you could get the COVID-19 virus from sexual activities that expose you to fecal matter”, warns the research center about the risk of possible sexual fetishes with infected people.

Have vaccinated sex!

It is worth remembering that, regardless of whether some countries already see covid as an endemic disease, the virus still circulates and people die as a result of the infection. That’s why it’s important that you and your partner are vaccinated, especially when you don’t live in the same house.

As data from different governments and research centers show, the vaccine can save lives and, in addition to yours, helps protect people who, for specific reasons, such as age, have a more compromised immune system.

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