Let’s face it: Social distancing and sex don’t blend well together. As some of you may be going crazy in isolation trying to send “What are you doing ;)?” texts at 1 am, there’s a good chance you’re putting at least one person at an unnecessary risk of exposure to COVID-19 as well as unwanted STDS. So what do single people do during this time? We’ll it’s all about staying safe, being informed, having safer sex, communicating and getting tested.

AFC Urgent Care Torrington is here to keep you informed about how we can manage social distancing, sex, STD’s and COVID-19. That’s a lot!

So, does self isolation mean no sex?

In light of STD awareness month, we hope that you’re practicing safe sex. In some cases this might mean no sex, especially if you are in a new dating situation where there has been not yet been physical contact. There’s more reason now to be careful than ever before. Reducing the spread of STD’s and STI’s can also reduce the spread of Coronavirus. During this time of isolation we need to be smart when it comes to practicing safe sex and reducing exposure of the COVID-19 virus.

Staying informed about STD’s, what they are and how to prevent them is important so that when isolation is over we can resume responsible sexual activity STD free.

Here are some facts from the CDC that you should keep in mind:

• CDC estimates that youth ages 15-24 make up just over one quarter of the sexually active population, but account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur in the United States each year.
• During 2014-2018 Syphilis (all stages) cases increased by 81%
• Gonorrhea cases increased by 67%
• Chlamydia cases remained at record highs
• Congenital syphilis cases more than doubled
• Condoms cannot completely protect you and your partner from some STDs, like herpes, syphilis, or human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts and cervical cancer.
• It is important to get tested because although many STDs are curable and all are treatable, some do not show symptoms.

So to answer the question “Does isolation mean no sex?” The answer is Yes and No. You want to abstain from it and consider the people in your lives that are at high risk for COVID-19. If you live with a partner and have not gone outside and are practicing good hygiene then the answer is yes. Just make sure that when you do that you use protection and have gotten tested for STDs if you are with a new partner.

Can you get the Coronavirus 2019 from sexual contact?

We’ve seen the ongoing jokes and memes on Instagram and Facebook relating to COVID-19 and sex. But, asking people to refrain from having sex is unrealistic. We know that some of you still go outside and over to people's houses. Given the common risks of transmission of the COVID-19 virus some of you are probably wondering if you can get it through sexual transmission. We can assume that almost any sexual activity may lead to its transmission due to close physical contact. But, to be clear the COVID-19 virus spreads through air droplets when infected people exhale, cough or sneeze. You can also get the virus from touching surfaces and then your face right after.

Since everyone has a different immune system and has been reacting to the virus differently, the only reliable way to know if you or your partner are infected is through testing. You can be infected with the virus and not have symptoms.

For those of you who are young and single and think that they can’t get the virus, think again:

AFC Myth Buster: Does the new coronavirus only affect older people, or are younger people also susceptible?

People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

Social distancing will help protect you from STDs and Covid-19

Everybody knows we like what we cannot have. It’s just human nature. But, doing our part to help control COVID-19 by practicing social distancing can help in more ways than you think. Try these tips with your partner or with someone from a distance ;).

• Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds (think of it as the new foreplay)
• Avoid Tinder and other random hook up apps that may lead to contracting a sexually transmitted disease or COVID-19
• Use video chats with your partner to blow off some steam
• Practice self love
• Abstain!

If you have already started sexually engaging with someone, you should keep track of who they are, if they’ve been tested for STD’s and where they’ve been. Ultimately, abstaining from sex is the safest option, but realistically speaking you have the power to make the right choice to prevent unsafe sex and exposing yourself to others if you have the COVID-19 virus.

Testing at AFC Urgent Care

AFC Urgent Care Torrington is here for you and your urgent medical needs. We hope you stay safe and healthy during this time of isolation. We are located on 1171 East Main Street right across from Webster Bank and are also open 7 days a week Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday-Sunday 8am-2pm. We accept most insurances.

If you are in a new relationship since the start of this quarantine or are trying to get checked out if you have multiple partners, AFC Urgent Care offers confidential STD testing. During this time we recommend using our AFC TeleCare platform to schedule a virtual visit to speak with one of our providers about coming in for testing.

Schedule a TeleCare visit here for your urgent medical needs like STD screenings, allergies, injuries and more: https://buff.ly/2R0r03D

If you or your partner suspect possible symptoms of COVID-19, you can get a COVID-19 test done at our center. It’s a simple and easy process. Simply schedule a visit with us using our TeleCare service to pre-screen, and then you will receive direction on when and where to come in for testing. It takes 5-10 minutes and requires a cotton swab collection. Sign up for a TeleCare visit to get pre-screened for COVID-19 today: https://buff.ly/2R0r03D