Dr. Ziggy: How the Coronavirus has Affected the Lifestyle

By Dr. Ziggy for ASN Lifestyle Magazine

OK, so have you gone stir crazy yet? Have you run out of kitties and doggies’ videos to watch? Or, perhaps you developed a talent for creating, posting useless and meaningless memes, and have watched the entire Tiger King series just to realize how bored you are. Then, you reverted to watching Pornhub and dream of the days when you could join the local orgy and just how much fun swinging you missed. You’re stuck at home are somewhat considered “lucky” or still working in essential business, which puts you at the risk of exposure.

Let’s face it: swinging involves gathering, socializing, touching, kissing, and/or sex. Most of which takes place in compact and crowded situations and entails as much personal closeness as you can get. After all, you’re going to have sex with strangers, which involves touching and exchanging bodily fluids with others.

Considering the present situation, all those behaviors are OUT. The world is temporarily closed for business, especially sex and crowds! Meaning the closest, you’re going to get to multi-partner sex is going to be on Skype with friends. Social groups and even some clubs have organized virtual swingers’ parties via Skype or Zoom (can’t help but imagine a myriad of varied masturbation techniques and the liberal use of sex toys and machines all via the web).

What is the Swinging Lifestyle Like During the Pandemic?

In my perusal of several swinging date sites and forums, it seems that most people have come to terms with the present situation, albeit everyone looks forward to the end of the isolation. Nevertheless, I think that the following terminology will remain with us for quite a while: self-isolation, social distance, contact tracing, community spreading, and self-quarantine, to name just a few. Further, it seems that some of the most popular clubs are projecting new events to take place in the near future, although the dates are still fluid since we aren’t sure when we’ll see the end of quarantine time with this pandemic.

Now, I feel that it is my duty as a man of science to give you the scientific information on what’s going on with the pandemic.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a genus of the family Coronaviridae that causes respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases in a variety of vertebrates. COVID-19 is an acute viral disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, although showing a lower mortality rate is still extremely contagious. On average, it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show; however, it can take up to 14 days. Asymptomatic people are ones that remain contagious even without knowing they have the virus. Coronaviruses spread through droplets from an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Through these virus-laden droplets, it can be spread to people (for example, people who you spend a lot of time with (close contacts) such as household members) similar to how the flu and other respiratory illnesses spread. If someone with coronavirus coughs on a surface, and you touch the surface, then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose with an unwashed hand, the virus could infect you. 

So, and I have heard these questions asked before, does the process of public isolation really prevent people from getting infected? Absolutely! Are we reacting too much to this virus? No! 

All those States and Provinces that have mandated total isolation and lockdown are ahead of the game, and those measures will prevent the spread of the virus and minimize the loss of life. Remember, by isolating, you are not only protecting yourself but others as well. Self-isolating is difficult and doesn’t fit our lifestyle. However, that is the only way to stop the situation.

I want you to remain safe and alive for a long time. There will be a time when we can return to the fun and frolic of playtime. I, like many of you, look forward to the return of sex and fun. So, I’m going to leave you with a list of recommendations for all of you, and please, don’t get ahead of schedule. 

By the way, listen to the scientists and not the politicians.

Things to Remember (which you have heard a million times):

Wash your hands frequently – Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Maintain social distancing – Maintain at least 1-meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.

Practice respiratory hygiene – Make sure you and the people around you follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.

Finally, Be SAFE and see you SOON!

This article originally appeared in the May 2020 issue of ASN Lifestyle Magazine.