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The coronavirus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. COVID-19 can be found in droplets of saliva and mucus that are produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. They can be breathed in by another person, land on another person, or stay on surfaces that other people touch.

This is why health authorities are advising social distancing – staying 6 feet or 1 meter away from other people – and frequent, thorough hand washing.

Despite the fact that coronaviruses aren’t known to be sexually transmitted, it is possible to “indirectly” transmit the coronavirus (COVID-19) during sexual activity. People who have sex during the pandemic are advised to take some precautions.

Scientists have discovered COVID-19 in feces and semen. So far, we don’t know whether the virus is found vaginal fluids. In April 2020, researchers reported no evidence of COVID-19 in the vaginal fluids of 10 infected women, but more research is needed.

People infected with coronavirus might not have symptoms right away. It may take up to 14 days for symptoms to start. However, infected people can be contagious whether they have symptoms or not.

Despite a lack of formal study in this regard, it seems reasonable to state that if a couple is living together without precautions of individual isolation, it is likely that sexual activity won’t significantly increase the risk of coronavirus spread.

However, outside this scenario, some sexual activities should be avoided because of the way coronavirus spreads:

Kissing. The virus is found in saliva, so there is a clear risk of transmission
Rimming (analingus). Do not stimulate a person’s anus with your tongue.
Sex with someone outside your household. People should avoid having sex with someone outside their household until the pandemic has ended.
Sex with someone who is sick. Remember, the virus can be spread through close contact with other people and respiratory droplets. Sick people should be isolated from all contact until they recover.
Sex with someone who is at risk for coronavirus. This would include people with diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, cancer, or a weakened immune system. Unless this person is living with you and you are both staying at home, sex should be avoided.

Outside the mentioned scenario, if you do have sex, take these precautions:

Use condoms and dental dams. These barrier methods reduce the amount of saliva and feces you’re exposed to during sex.
Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Always wash your hands, sex toys, and other items. Other objects, such as touch screens on phones and tablets, may be sanitized with a 70% isopropyl alcohol product.
Do not have sex if you’re ill, especially if you are coughing or sneezing.
Do not have sex if you have COVID-19.

With that said, there are still ways to enjoy sex regardless of your COVID-19 status:

Masturbation. “Solo sex” is safe as long as you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after. Be sure to wash any vibrators, dildos, or other sex toys as well.
Phone sex, video sex, and sexting. Couples can stay intimate through erotic phone conversations video chats. They can also send sexy messages through email and text. While this might seem awkward at first, it is a good time to use your imagination and explore sexual fantasies that you might revisit when it’s safe to have partnered sex again.

Scientists are actively learning as much as they can about the coronavirus as quickly as possible, but there are still many questions to answer. The ISSM recommends that you visit the websites of your local health departments for the latest updates.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“How to Protect Yourself”

(Page last reviewed: March 18, 2020)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

New York City Health Department

“Sex and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”

(March 21, 2020)

https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/covid-sex-guidance.pdf

World Health Organization

“Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic”

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019