Safe(r) sex after lockdown but Covid 19 is still around

[Doc Holliday]

It’s just another potential risk we face going forwards until a cure is found. 26,000 people are killed or seriously injured on roads 42,000 die of heart attacks, 35000 lung cancer.

But they are not contagious. By contracting this virus you risk killing others not just yourself.

That said we will all have to make personal and difficult decisions at some point this year irrespective of when lockdown is eased.

I have had long conversations within our family recently with regards to aged and highly vulnerable members within it and who are going stir crazy because they cannot see all the family especially the many grandchildren. Some of those involved have decided they have had a good innings and what will be will be. We can all strive to still minimise that risk in the future, but total shielding for potentially many more months, is not an option some of them want to take, when you take quality of life into account.

It's very difficult.

[Thephoenix]

But they are not contagious. By contracting this virus you risk killing others not just yourself.

That said we will all have to make personal and difficult decisions at some point this year irrespective of when lockdown is eased.

I have had long conversations within our family recently with regards to aged and highly vulnerable members within it and who are going stir crazy because they cannot see all the family especially the many grandchildren. Some of those involved have decided they have had a good innings and what will be will be.

I'm well into the aged and vulnerable category, and I've used exactly that same phrase to my children and grandchildren.

The longer this goes on,  the more I think that it's probably time to hang up my trusty cock ring.

Advancing years have resulted in full sex and condoms being relegated to the 'anals' of history, so my punting escapades have recently just consisted of sensual massage and HR.

Realistically, the only way I'd even consider that in the near future would be for both of us wearing masks.... no I don't mean funny ones.
The only trouble with that is it could be someone like Steptoe performing the massage.

[hullad]

That was actually a (admittedly, weak) joke on my part.

I meant purely regarding our socially-unacceptable leisure pursuit.

Of course many of us here are part of shielded groups, there's all-sorts on here and many older types, self included  .

I know it was mate

I do think the police are taking a no interest in  a little of punting activity at the moment. Now wether this is simply because they can't be bothered or maybe it will cull the number doing it.

[winkywanky]

Who knows  .

[timsussex]

with such a highly contagious disease I reckon that within a month or two post lockdown most of the surviving WG population will have had it.

Sort of a very specific herd immunity.

Contact tracing could lead to the odd embarrassment though 

[lostandfound]

External Link/Members Only

One of a number of similar articles on the likely long term effects on the health of the nation.

Nobody wants that; this virus is going to cast a chill over many social activities including punting for years to come.

[Donnie69]

I'm classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, so that might mean no punting, even with regulars.

Covid-19 can be passed on just by breathing, not apparently in semen or vaginal fluid. I'm thinking I might be OK punting if I wear a Nato grade respirator (gas mask) and shower straight afterwards. Intercourse itself should be safe.

The real risk is respiratory fluids and touching respiratory fluids. Potentially just a hug could kill!

[Kev40ish]

I'm classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, so that might mean no punting, even with regulars.

Covid-19 can be passed on just by breathing, not apparently in semen or vaginal fluid. I'm thinking I might be OK punting if I wear a Nato grade respirator (gas mask) and shower straight afterwards. Intercourse itself should be safe.

The real risk is respiratory fluids and touching respiratory fluids. Potentially just a hug could kill!

Not an exciting meet by the sounds of it.

I personally am not really thinking about the risk. If it’s my time to go, so be it.
I have faced worse odds, so will do what I want, if that means me dying between the legs of someone, at least I have enjoyed myself..
My only concern like everyone else is anyone else I could put at risk.

Will it stop me, probably not if I think the risk is minimal to others around me..

[hornyguylondon]

I have faced worse odds, so will do what I want, if that means me dying between the legs of someone, at least I have enjoyed myself..

Hopefully you won't die at that exact moment, unless she's got you in a thunder thigh neck choke - although that could be a fun way to go   

[petermisc]

I think one effect on me is that I will probably only see SPs who I have seen before and have had a positive experience.

Previously, seeing someone new always carried a risk that you wouldn't enjoy the experience.  However, the only loss was time and money.  In future, you will also be risking catching the virus, which even if you get over it, could mean several weeks of agony, or even months of serious health issues if you need ventilation.  If I am going to run the risk of that by punting, then I will want to be far more certain that the punting experience will be a positive one than I was pre-virus.

When I eventually resume punting, I will likely be restricting myself to those SPs I know I will have a good experience with, and curbing my desire for the thrill of the new.  I will certainly not be seeing any SPs with a high throughput of punters.  Better and far less risky to have one good if pricey punt, than several mediocre to poor cheap punts.  While this has always been the case, it will apply even more so when you factor in the risk of catching the virus.

[donnybob]

Everyone will have to balance the risks depending on their own personal circumstances.
I tend to punt for massage and HR as opposed to FS, so that seems to minimise the main risk anyway

[GingerNuts]

Everyone will have to balance the risks depending on their own personal circumstances.
I tend to punt for massage and HR as opposed to FS, so that seems to minimise the main risk anyway

In what way would you be minimising the main risk?

[Beamer]

Everyone will have to balance the risks depending on their own personal circumstances.
I tend to punt for massage and HR as opposed to FS, so that seems to minimise the main risk anyway

What do you perceive as the main risk?
Why is FBSM less risky? Doesn't make sense.

[casio]

"Greek Brothels To Reopen But Hookers And Clients Required To Wear Masks And Gloves"

External Link/Members Only

[sparkus]

"Greek Brothels To Reopen But Hookers And Clients Required To Wear Masks And Gloves"

External Link/Members Only

Great news for those with a fetish for such things!

[petermisc]

If you believe a dodgy anonymous "news" site that quotes no sources.

[badsin]

I have a few regular ladies I see, SP's and civilians. I won't be putting them and their families at risk, for the sake of draining my spuds, and those involved hopefully wouldn't see me either.
Thankfully I write a lot of my meets up, which provides some interesting reading for myself.
I'll be quite happy taking a year or more off, if required 

[donnybob]

In what way would you be minimising the main risk?

The main risk according to most answers seems to be saliva in the mouth
the SP will be using her hands not her mouth

[Chorley]

Just been listening to an interview with a leading epidemiologist saying that due to the number of possible strains Covid19 could become endemic. 
Basically we might have to live with this as we do the common cold. 

[lostandfound]

Just been listening to an interview with a leading epidemiologist saying that due to the number of possible strains Covid19 could become endemic. 
Basically we might have to live with this as we do the common cold. 

One third of colds are due to Coronaviruses - four different ones. Typically people have 1-2 years immunity to one of these viruses after catching them. Possibly the same behaviour might be the case with this virus. I don't believe anyone knows at this point.

[petermisc]

Just been listening to an interview with a leading epidemiologist saying that due to the number of possible strains Covid19 could become endemic. 
Basically we might have to live with this as we do the common cold. 

Only if we let it become endemic.  SARS and MERS are also coronaviruses that we have successfully got under control.

[winkywanky]

Just been listening to an interview with a leading epidemiologist saying that due to the number of possible strains Covid19 could become endemic. 
Basically we might have to live with this as we do the common cold. 

That would be a big worry.

There was always talk of trying to find a cure or a vaccine for the common cold, but being a relatively minor type of coronavirus and because the variations were so huge, making it virtually impossible to do so, perhaps the world will make a start on that?

[lostandfound]

That would be a big worry.

There was always talk of trying to find a cure or a vaccine for the common cold, but being a relatively minor type of coronavirus and because the variations were so huge, making it virtually impossible to do so, perhaps the world will make a start on that?

A Californian biotech called Distributed Bio which featured in the Netflix documentary series "Pandemic" has been working to develop a universal flu vaccine, which sounds a similar idea. The Netflix documentary concluded with them gaining $1.9M funding from the Gates Foundation to carry out a trial of their flu vaccine in the UK, after the successful conclusion of a earlier trial the company had self funded in Guatemala.

[winkywanky]

A Californian biotech called Distributed Bio which featured in the Netflix documentary series "Pandemic" has been working to develop a universal flu vaccine, which sounds a similar idea. The Netflix documentary concluded with them gaining $1.9M funding from the Gates Foundation to carry out a trial of their flu vaccine in the UK, after the successful conclusion of a earlier trial the company had self funded in Guatemala.

Without wishing to join in with the Bill Gates Conspiracy Theorists, one wonders why they would want to use the UK as guinea pigs? Perhaps it's thought that next on the scale of insignificance after Guatemala, would be the UK? A lot of Americans regard us in that way  .

[lostandfound]

Without wishing to join in with the Bill Gates Conspiracy Theorists, one wonders why they would want to use the UK as guinea pigs? Perhaps it's thought that next on the scale of insignificance after Guatemala, would be the UK? A lot of Americans regard us in that way  .

I believe the trial will be on British pigs, not humans. And the earlier trial in Guatemala was also conducted in pigs. They chose Guatemala because it was many times less expensive than the US. The UK is a centre for biotech, which is a good thing IMO.

[winkywanky]

I believe the trial will be on British pigs, not humans. And the earlier trial in Guatemala was also conducted in pigs. They chose Guatemala because it was many times less expensive than the US. The UK is a centre for biotech, which is a good thing IMO.

Ah, I'd assumed humans 

[lostandfound]

Ah, I'd assumed humans 

No probs. Apparently the pig immune system is very much like the human one. 

[winkywanky]

I certainly knew that pigs are physiologically very similar to ourselves, I think there have been instances of trialling certain pig organs for donation into humans for example, or certainly research into that?

[winkywanky]

...it might also explain why Sweeney Todd got away with selling his human pies as pork pies, apparently the smell and flavour are very similar 

[lostandfound]

Yes - I've heard those things too. Have to bite my tongue and not point out we are very much like them if I hear muslims decrying pigs as filthy and unclean. 

[Doc Holliday]

I certainly knew that pigs are physiologically very similar to ourselves,

I scan read that as psychologically 

There are around 200 different viruses which can produce upper respiratory tract infections. Rhinoviruses are the commonest cause but then are also four coronaviruses as well as Influenza A and B. They then have subtypes. That is the difficulty.

Consequently a 'universal' vaccine is the Holy Grail. In my lifetime? Maybe but probably not?

[winkywanky]

I scan read that as psychologically 

There are around 200 different viruses which can produce upper respiratory tract infections. Rhinoviruses are the commonest cause but then are also four coronaviruses as well as Influenza A and B. They then have subtypes. That is the difficulty.

Consequently a 'universal' vaccine is the Holy Grail. In my lifetime? Maybe but probably not?

In some cases, undoubtedly both    .

In my very limited knowledge on the subject (I am merely Joe Public) I was aware of the complexity of dealing with 'the common cold', it's not just one targetable 'thing' by a long chalk, although the various strains have similar effects so we call it by just one name.

It is indeed a Holy Grail, but there seem to be truly enormous resources being thrown at CV right now, so who knows? We can only live in hope.

[GingerNuts]

The main risk according to most answers seems to be saliva in the mouth
the SP will be using her hands not her mouth

The risk from saliva is low:  External Link/Members Only

The main risk is through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces.

[winkywanky]

I'm pretty sure that link doesn't contain information about CV, it's general information about picking things up from saliva?

The yellow Coronavirus banner at the top is on ALL the pages on the NHS website, so doesn't specifically apply to this page.

[winkywanky]

Whatever you breathe out goes past your saliva (in your mouth, on your tongue etc), so I think one might assume some risk of it being present in your saliva, unless the saliva aspecifically kills the virus for some reason (alkalinity, whatever)?

[Doc Holliday]

Whatever you breathe out goes past your saliva (in your mouth, on your tongue etc), so I think one might assume some risk of it being present in your saliva, unless the saliva aspecifically kills the virus for some reason (alkalinity, whatever)?

Yes it is present in saliva for around 90% of samples tested. Saliva samples could actually be a possible testing method to replace the unpleasant nasal and throat swabs?

I think it is in highest concentrations in saliva during the early stages then declines, which means it could be a significant transmission factor in those with few if any symptoms?

It is not yet understood whether the virus is infecting the salivary glands directly or whether it is just secondary from the nasopharynx and lungs?

[Doc Holliday]

As a follow up it now seems the US has approved a saliva test.

External Link/Members Only

[winkywanky]

Cheers Doc 

[Flithy Red]

The new normal? 

Hidden Image/Members Only

[webpunter]

Question to the resident doc on UKP
If you don't mind
What is your take on the accuracy of the pin prick antibody tests ?
The test at home versions have been dismissed as being shite
Well done Superdrug for selling these FFS
Reading stuff it would appear that only the tests taken from veins are accurate
Your thoughts please
TIA Sir

As a follow up it now seems the US has approved a saliva test.

External Link/Members Only

[Doc Holliday]

Question to the resident doc on UKP
If you don't mind
What is your take on the accuracy of the pin prick antibody tests ?
The test at home versions have been dismissed as being shite
Well done Superdrug for selling these FFS
Reading stuff it would appear that only the tests taken from veins are accurate
Your thoughts please
TIA Sir

Fuck knows. I've almost given up following the history of this. In simple terms the venous sample will always be the preferred and most accurate method. The Roche test approved by the UK is based on venous blood sample. The home finger prick test uses the same laboratory testing but it seems the blood sample obtained from the finger cannot be relied upon. I gather Superdrug have withdrawn it?

With any tests there are sensitivity and specificity to consider

"Sensitivity measures how often a test correctly generates a positive result for people who have the condition that’s being tested for (also known as the “true positive” rate). A test that’s highly sensitive will flag almost everyone who has the disease and not generate many false-negative results. (Example: a test with 90% sensitivity will correctly return a positive result for 90% of people who have the disease, but will return a negative result — a false-negative — for 10% of the people who have the disease and should have tested positive.)

Specificity measures a test’s ability to correctly generate a negative result for people who don’t have the condition that’s being tested for (also known as the “true negative” rate). A high-specificity test will correctly rule out almost everyone who doesn’t have the disease and won’t generate many false-positive results. (Example: a test with 90% specificity will correctly return a negative result for 90% of people who don’t have the disease, but will return a positive result — a false-positive — for 10% of the people who don’t have the disease and should have tested negative.)"


I gather some of the early tests were returning values of as low as 70%?

The Roche test is claiming 100% sensitivity and 99.8% specificity but this is with a venous blood sample External Link/Members Only

[winkywanky]

Almost out of curiosity (yes I'm that bored in Lockdown, and saved that much money) I bought an antibody test from Lloyds Pharmacy online.

CE-approved, and they reckon very accurate: External Link/Members Only   I got in very quickly because I received a heads-up email from Lloyds, being an existing customer of theirs. Stock vanished within a few hours and I think they've been out of stock ever since.

After the first lancet appeared to give less than impressive results, the application of a second saw me dripping blood copiously all over the kitchen floor   

The result came back with 48hrs of me posting the sample.

I should stress that I had no particular reason to think I might already have antibodies, I was simply curious. I also knew that the chance of a false positive was virtually nil. I would also state that had I tested positive for antibodies, this wouldn't have made me feel somehow invincible and go breaking Lockdown and hunting for meat!

By the way, as expected, I was Negative.

[Doc Holliday]

After the first lancet appeared to give less than impressive results, the application of a second saw me dripping blood copiously all over the kitchen floor   

You stab your finger not your wrist 

[winkywanky]

...well I saw that big juicy ol' vein and thought, well if it ain't working yet, I need to make it happen   

[JamesKW]

When it restarts I think there could be a big demand at first of frustrated punters (most of the ones I encounter at parties dont think anything of the risks they take).Considering I spent March crammed in like sardines on underground trains with people coughing and spluttering over me with no masks and not even getting any enjoyment out of it,I guess there is not much more risk.I am pretty sure I had a mild form of it then.

[kippydon]

i think without a vaccine or medication , it maybe impossible to punt in the way people used too, unless there muting about a medical passport whatever that means

[JamesKW]

i think without a vaccine or medication , it maybe impossible to punt in the way people used too, unless there muting about a medical passport whatever that means

The earliest the vaccine will be out will be next May,we wont all be vaccined on day one,this could take another couple of years.Most punters wont be prepared to wait that long.Punting is a risk anyway,there are girls that provide bareback so there will be those that will provide GFE at the right price.

[Adoniron]

Post Covid punting should suit those SPs who do whatever they can to avoid any sort of intimacy at all, those who just put a condom on your cock and then put themselves on it, possibly with a bit of perfunctory OW while at all times making sure their lips, tits and pussy stay well out of reach of your hands.

[sparkus]

Plenty seem to be, look at the reviews.  Actually tempted myself given retail goes back on Monday.

[RedKettle]

I am ok as seeing only a regular who tells me I am the only one she is seeing, that she is self isolating and having regular tests. She also says that I am special and have the biggest cock she has ever seen.