Couples in self-isolation and in vulnerable categories should AVOID sex, expert warns
AS we all face weeks - or even months - of social distancing and staying indoors, it could be a good opportunity to spend some quality time with your partner.
But while the idea of ramping up your sex life sounds rather appealing, experts reveal that self-isolating couples should actually AVOID sex altogether to eliminate any risk of catching or spreading coronavirus.
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Professor Paul Hunter has advised that self-isolating couples who do not live together or who fall into one of the vulnerable categories should not have sex, and that others who have a "bohemian" sex life - which involves mixing with other people - should give it up for now and stay at home.
While the thought of giving up sex might concern some couples, Professor Hunter suggests a seven day ban is required if one person shows any symptoms such as a cough or a fever.
But those who live together aren't exactly let off the hook, as the professor also claims that even couples who live together should abstain if one of them is in the higher-risk groups.
The Government has urged people to socially distance themselves as much as possible to slow the spread of the virus, and to self-isolate if they have symptoms or live with people who do, but has not given specific information on what to do about sex.
Prof Hunter said: "The evidence is unclear about whether vigorous exercise is bad for you when you are acutely unwell with fever or pneumonia - Nevertheless, it would probably be best to avoid sex whilst you feel poorly."
He continued: "If you or your partner are self-isolating because one of you have symptoms then - providing you live together - you do not necessarily need to give up sex for the seven-day period recommended for individual cases to self-isolate.
"However, if your partner is in one of the vulnerable groups because of age, pre-existing disease or she is pregnant, then you need to stay away from them as much as possible, and this would mean avoid sex for the first seven days."
He also advised avoiding sex if one of you are feeling unwell - even if you do live together - and reiterated the advice on good hand hygiene and said that regardless of whether or not you decide to continue having sex, "remember to wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds and avoid touching your or your partner's face with unwashed hands.".
"The main risk of catching the virus during sex "comes from being close, face-to-face, through droplet spread, through kissing and touching each other's faces".
But for those of you who show no signs of the virus, well, you can continue with your romp-a-thon, but only if you live together and no one else is involved, the professor advised.
For more relationship news, docs say that masturbating during Coronavirus lockdown could help to ‘boost our immune systems’ and ‘fight off infections’.
Plus, we revealed that these are the kinkiest star signs in the zodiac - and why Geminis and Scorpios are likely to send the most naked selfies.
Meanwhile, if you are still having sex, these are the best sex positions to try while you're self-isolating with your partner during the coronavirus outbreak.