If you’ve just got the sniffles, a healthy partner may not be risking much. But they could catch whatever you have.
Respiratory illnesses are passed through droplets and saliva. Kissing, breathing close to each others’ faces, coughing, or sneezing while in close contact is a great way to spread germs.
So your partner is quite likely to get sick if you’re intimate. Whether the risk is worth it depends on what you have and what risks it may pose to your partner’s health.
This article looks at the risks of sex during illness, when you’re contagious, and what to consider for your partner’s benefit.
If You Have a Fever
If you’re running a fever, you’re likely contagious. Fevers can make you achy and tired. So you probably don’t feel much like having sex.
But if you are in the mood, consider this: Researchers say strenuous exercise—including sex—can:
Make you sickerRaise your risk of dehydrationBoost your fever to dangerous levels
It’s best to wait on sex until your temperature is normal. Even then, make sure you stay hydrated.
If You Have the Flu
If you have the flu (not just a bad cold), it’s probably safest to skip the sex until you’re better. Influenza is a serious illness. And close, physical contact increases the chances of passing it along.
Most people with influenza don’t have the energy to have sex anyway. You’ll probably enjoy it a lot more if you wait until you’re healthy.
When You’re Contagious
How long you’re contagious varies by the illness. Most common germs can spread during the first few days of symptoms.
But others can spread for as long as symptoms are present. Some, like COVID-19, are contagious before symptoms start. Still others are spreadable even after you feel better.
If you have a weak or suppressed immune system, you may be contagious for even longer.
Consider Your Partner’s Health
If your partner isn’t already sick with the same illness you have, they’d probably prefer to avoid catching it. Even if they’re the one initiating intimacy, bring up the risk.
Consider how your illness may affect your partner. Are they in a high-risk group that is likely to have more serious symptoms than the average person? Do they have a weakened immune system due to any medications or conditions? If so, it’s probably not a chance worth taking.
Some chronic conditions can be worsened by sexual activity. If you or your partner has one, ask your healthcare provider if you’re healthy enough for sex. That’s especially important if you have a flu or other illness on top of your usual health issues.
Summary
Some illnesses may get worse if you exert yourself with sexual activity. Fevers can spike dangerously. The flu virus and other germs can spread.
It’s hard to say whether you’re contagious unless you know what you have. Different illnesses are contagious at different stages and for different durations.
Think about the possible impact of illness on your partner. If they have health problems, it may be smartest to wait until you’re healthy.
A Word From Verywell
Being sick isn’t sexy. That doesn’t mean you won’t crave intimacy.
But it does mean it might be wise to explore less-strenuous sexual activities or other ways to connect with a partner. That can help lower the risk of passing on your illness.
But sexual arousal may temporarily relieve a stuffy nose. Adrenaline makes blood vessels constrict. So reducing blood flow to vessels in the nasal passages and sinuses can help you breathe better.
It’s even possible to have a breakthrough infection that causes symptoms. But vaccination means you’re unlikely to become seriously ill.
It’s been at least 10 days since symptoms started. Symptoms have cleared up or are improving (though some symptoms, such as loss of taste or smell, can persist long after a person is no longer infectious). You’ve been free of a fever for at least 24 hours without having taken a fever-reducing medication.
