cuddle during covid

SleepyCuddles22

Has anyone been cuddling during this crazy time? I just planned a cuddle with BillyS3 tonight and Im starting to worry that maybe its not a good idea. Maybe wear masks? We have both been quarantining separately and havent been around anyone. The loneliness is just making me crazy.

I've not really been actively seaching for cuddles on this site for a while due to some other things going in life (even before all this started up) so take what I say with a pinch of salt, but I'd not be comfortable meeting someone for cuddles at the moment.

Unless neither of you have been around anyone, haven't touched a surface or object that someone else recently touched and neither of you will done either of those things by the time you meet up you can't really garuantee neither of you are either asymptomatic carriers or that the person travelling won't have picked up a bit of it on the journey to see the other.

Masks help for sure, but all it takes is you scratching your nose under it once absent mindedly an hour or two after the cuddling is done and they're gone and you could get it if they had it without realising.

It's understandable for the loneliness to be making you crazy, these are crazy times afterall. But in the end cuddling is quite firmly in the "non essential" category, and it's better to be safe than sorry. After this whole thing is done and dusted I'm sure people will be cuddling more than ever.

EDIT: I know it's not the same, but have you considered doing virtual cuddles to help alleviate the loneliness a little? it can help.

herby357

As the pandemic stretches out, it seems human nature may lead many to take more "risks." Cuddling is more often than not a group of 2, not 10 or more, so given the guidelines regarding risky behaviors, I guess it's an individual choice?

Grocery store, drug store, big box, restaurant/fast food, truck drivers, delivery, transportation, medical professionals and many others are out and about on a daily basis.

If you two are symptom free, shower just prior to etc., etc., it could be as safe as going to the grocery store or pharmacy if not more so?

I for one, will continue to practice social distancing in the near future, however, as this thing stretches out, that could change regarding one on one cuddling.

ReltvlyCanshes

I have not been seeking cuddles during this.

Siberian76

I managed to pull a two-day cuddling session about 3 weeks ago, as in North Dakota our COVID numbers are -like- 0.001% of other states. At the time:

• my county had a grand total of 1 case
• all 3 surrounding counties had 0 cases
• total number of cases in WHOLE STATE was UNDER 150

Since my only external exposure is grocery shopping (once per 3 weeks), and the last time (back then) I shopped was over 2 weeks ago, I knew I was alright. And I recall at the day of shopping that the total number of cases in whole state was under 50. And I shopped in a county with 0 cases.

If anything, since I was going into the county that was a hotspot (in ND, that is), I was the one taking a much higher risk, but I accepted it. Plus, she was to the grocery store 3 days ago, so that was certainly not easing my mind.

Fast forward to now, and COVID is FINALLY on an upwards trajectory in ND

So, definitely no cuddling for me for sure for foreseeable future. I guess I will have to make do with my Siberian Husky

Siberian76

But in the end cuddling is quite firmly in the "non essential" category

@Zundar : Careful! That's offensive around here

ubergigglefritz

Cuddling is essential for many, but in this particular instance, one of the most high risk things you can do. Think of cuddling with someone now as being like having unprotected sex with them. Do you trust them? Do you trust their honesty, their actions, their cleanliness? Personally, I am not doing any in-person cuddling at all. I am tempted to with a friend who I wholly trust, but I care about him enough to not want to get him sick, in case I am asymptomatic, so that isn't happening still either. It's definitely difficult. 😞

I swear, there really does seem to be a thing such as "buzzard luck!" I joined at just about the time when everything went into shut down! lol REALLY, MOTHER NATURE????

Haven't actually cuddled, yet, but when this lock down is over.... Hooooo Boy! lol

Imajen

cuddleaddict

Afraid not. Virus can live on clothes up to 2 hours. Worse, if either is asymtomatic & covid pos, touch their hand & they later touch your face, transmission. Cash can spread. Hard surfaces almost a day. And remember all age groups can get it now, be hospitalized, and even die if in a high-risk group especially. Mortality does increase with age, but you see because those people have a compromising illness such as coronary artery disease COPD, diabetes (both type 1 and 2) & high blood pressure. A single cuddler who is positive but asymptomatic would likely transfer it to each partner they saw. And that partner could infect many others. Most pros are not cuddling because they see many people who could spread to high risk people. We all have to hold off on cuddling until each of our areas are cleared for close contact. It's awful, but after it's over that's going to be a lot of pent-up cuddle desire, good news for everybody!

MrPaul

@SleepyCuddles22
As tempting as it is, I would advise against it.

The fact is, you can’t always tell that you have it because the rate of asymptomatic cases is high, perhaps over 50%. The only way to stop the spread is to prevent contact with infected individuals.

Think of it like this. You’re considering playing a game of Russian roulette, and you think the gun is unloaded, but you can’t be sure. In exchange for playing you will get to cuddle for a while. Are you ready to play now?

The only exception I would make is if you have both been tested twice with test kits that use different methods and from different manufacturers and found to be viral free, and have not contacted or been in the same room with anyone for 4 weeks since taking the tests. Or, if you both were found to have viral antibodies present, also with two independent tests, and have been asymptomatic for 4 weeks post testing.

kevykev1

I worked in housekeeping on cruise ships. We inevitably lived and worked around viral infections from flu to the infamous norovirus. And, I never got sick. I was very disciplined to wash my hands for the recommended 20 seconds & keep hands from face. Over time, I developed an approach to how I used my hands & forearms to allow for touching my face without concerns about contamination. And, I absolutely took disinfecting & sanitizing routines very seriously.

Anyhow, I think that following local guidelines is important. However, if you both conduct your vetting & feel comfortable, keeping in mind local guidelines & that infections can be fatal, yet feel safe enough to proceed with taking precautionary measures; it can be done.

What is the infection stats in the county you're both in? What if you washed your hands for the recommended 20 seconds, used hand sanitizer &/or rubbing aclohol on exposed skin (like hands, arms, face), wear as much covering, and perhaps sprayed Lysol all over your clothes waiting for the contact time on the instructions? Would that make you feel safe?

pmvines

@kevykev what you are talking about only applies to surfaces , and not if you are a carrier who is asymptomatic

kevykev1

@pmvines thank you for bring this point up. You are correct, I do address the surfaces. But, that is NOT all that I addressed. I did address those other issues in the portion above the info about contact surfaces.

Besides, there is something about your response that is indicative of an approach that differs from mine. You stated: "and not if you are a carrier who is asymptomatic." However, to me, it is more like => and not if you are {potentially} a carrier who {may} be asymptomatic. Unless, you are automatically operating under the assumption of being infected but asymptomatic. Indeed it appears that you are. And, that is an important distinction.

Your response to me suggest a heuristic of always assume this. And, that is totally valid. Not everyone will adhere so strictly to such a rule of thumb. And, their approach, too, is valid.

Plus, one can only be so sure as having been tested reliably. Testing is NOT widespread and cannot yet be relied upon for everyday activities. This is without regard to the efficacy of testing regime. Nevertheless, were one to assume that they are infected but asymptomatic, then definitely shouldn't cuddle.

Currently, it is deemed that after 2 weeks of quarantine, that one is free from being infectious. Everyday exposures from such activities are not considered as infected & being followed up with a 2 week quarantine for a reason. As a result, it stands to reason that it is safe to reasonably contemplate cuddling.

That said, my prior post addresses both. It would be helpful to note differences of approach. One might be focused on the critical points (and totally valid). Whereas, another along the spectrum with relaxed assumptions (and totally valid too).

Thank you for highlighting this to bring out some more clarity.

yay_its_craig

@kevykev : You are still putting others at risk. Your cuddling partner could lie to you or forgot that she didn't socially distance. Under the most ideal of situations (you have no roommates, they have no roommates, no job to go to, etc..) maybe you can insure neither of you have it. But to truly play it safe if you are going to cuddle with this person plan on a 14 day cuddle.

ubergigglefritz

Everyone should assume they are asymptomatic since the rate seems to be so high. 🤷

ubergigglefritz

.

kevykev1

@hugo_stieglitz thank you for your points. I am responding to this thread. I am not under consideration for cuddles. Therefore, a statement saying: "You are still putting others at risk." can be interpreted as an attack. Indeed, I feel attacked. I'd like to believe this was an oversight. But, was that your aim? Please clarify. Thank you.

kevykev1

@ubergigglefritz thank you for your participation here. I wonder which rate are you referring to? Is it overall infections in the U.S.? Is it mortality rate? What rate specifically?

UKGuy

There is no testing available in my State if you are asymptomatic. You have to have symptoms and then a medical professional has to think a test is necessary.

kevykev1

To be sure, there is a lot of speculation and conjecture about what one ought to do or NOT. No wonder it can feel so confusing.

Whenever we use may or potentially or similar words, we are speculating. A conjecture is a proposition that is believed to be true but hasn't been tested. So, when we speak as though something is the truth, we may be conjecturing. A good indication of this being so (re: conjectures) would be variability in statements from one person to another. Variability introduces risk. In fact, it is an indicator of risk. Facts are more succinct. If we apply this prism to the discussion forum, I wonder what it reveals throughout? Something to ponder.

ubergigglefritz

The rate for asymptomatic carriers.

geoff1000

There are over 200,000 Covid-19 deaths worldwide ; and just about every one of those people, caught it from someone who, at the time, didn't think they had it.

When I was taught firearm safety, the instructor said "Imagine how you would feel, if you accidentally shot and killed your best friend".

The trouble with Covid-19, is that it is almost impossible to identify the specific mechanism, and hence the specific person, they caught it from ; so those 200,000 deaths haven't made the millions of people in their chains of infection, know "That was my fault". Like Internet trolling, anonymity breeds irresponsibility.

When a stray bullet comes to rest, it becomes pretty safe, so a mistake has either a quick consequence, or none. An error in social distancing however, passing the virus onto just one other person, can cause a death, several people and several weeks later. A person who shows symptoms, will struggle to trace everyone they might have contacted, and even if they could, it wouldn't do them much good.

kevykev1

@SleepyCuddles22 did you end up cuddling?

geoff1000

One idea being suggested to reduce the lockdown, is to allow groups of up to 10 people to form.

Think of 3 couples living in a house. Now think of 3 people living in one house, and 3 people living in another house ; who are actually 3 couples in various stages of dating.

There isn't much extra risk of transmission, by allowing those 3 separated couples to meet, compared to allowing the 3 cohabiting couples to keep living together ; and it seems unreasonable to punish the separated couples, because they were at a different point in their relationships "when the music stopped".

The rules in the UK, already allow children of separated parents to spend days with one parent then days with the other.

waynewv

Here in Fl., we are over 32K and my county has over 200 cases, over 1K deaths and I live close to Tampa that has over 1K there. So no way am I going to take a chance.

kevykev1

👀

yay_its_craig

@hugo_stieglitz thank you for your points. I am responding to this thread. I am not under consideration for cuddles. Therefore, a statement saying: "You are still putting others at risk." can be interpreted as an attack. Indeed, I feel attacked. I'd like to believe this was an oversight. But, was that your aim? Please clarify. Thank you. <<

I mean the royal "you". Not you in particular.

herby357

To be clear, I'm practicing social distancing for the foreseeable future and don't plan on cuddling again until hospitals begin to allow visitors or when the medical professions are calling the shots regarding the general public.