Sex when you have the flu, can you do it or not?

Even though it's just a chill and a common cold cough, basically having sex when sick is not recommended by doctors. The reason is, there is still a high probability that disease or germs can be transmitted. But, is it true that flu can be transmitted through sperm or vaginal fluids? If so, how quickly did the disease spread? So, to find out more about it, let's look at the explanation below.

Be careful, the flu can actually be transmitted through sex

Transmission of the flu virus during sex generally occurs when you or a sick partner suddenly coughs or sneezes without covering your mouth, causing the virus to fly through the open air that both of you breathe. The habit of coughing or sneezing covered with your hands does not necessarily prevent the transmission of flu during sex.

Ann C. Palmenberg, Ph.D., a professor of biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin in the United States, said that although the flu cannot be transmitted through vaginal fluids or semen like sexually transmitted diseases in general, the flu virus can still pass from person to person. others through a kiss or a partner's touch.

Because, even though you have washed your hands using an antibacterial cleanser, it still cannot prevent the spread of the virus. A study from Clinical Infectious Disease says, if alcohol cleaners or hand sanitizers do not necessarily protect someone from rhinovirus, the virus that causes the flu. Likewise, it is the same if you have vomiting.

Meanwhile, if the disease you are experiencing is a fever, generally the symptoms make you feel sore and tired. So chances are you will find it difficult to feel excited when your body temperature is high. What is, having sex when you have a fever makes your body even more tired, so that the fever gets worse.

How fast is disease transmission time?

The duration of how long you can spread or transmit your disease to other people will depend on the illness you have. The most common disease, usually can be contagious in the first few days after you experience some symptoms such as an elevated body temperature.

However, some illnesses can be spread during or before you even know you are going to be sick. For example influenza, can be fully contagious 24 hours before flu symptoms themselves start. So you can make your partner sick before you even know you have the flu.

It's best not to have sex when you're sick

Having sex when you are sick will make your sex mood go down because your body is weak and not fit for physical activity. It's a good idea to discuss this issue while asking your partner to delay until your temperature or body condition is normal and healthy again.

Regardless of decreased sex drive, it's best to avoid having sex while you're sick until flu symptoms go away for at least 24 hours. The reason is, most of the viruses that cause these symptoms are highly contagious and most likely can be transmitted when you have intimate physical contact with a partner who is sick.

Also avoid having sex when you or your partner have symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. Viral vomiting can be transmitted through sex if you and your partner engage in anal sex or a combination of anal and oral sex, such as rimming (stimulating the anal canal with the tongue or lips).