A 2017 survey of 500 Americans and 500 Europeans from Zava, an online doctor service, found that 66% of respondents have had a one-night stand at least once in their lives . But how comfortable will people be having more casual sexual encounters in light of the coronavirus pandemic and the new potential health risks involved?

First, its important to note that the virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets emitted when an infected person sneezes, coughs, breathes or speaks . Because sex typically involves close physical contact like kissing and heavy breathing, for example youre at risk for contracting or spreading the virus. While the virus has been found in the semen of some COVID-19 patients , theres currently no evidence that it can be transmitted this way.

And while states have started opening up, social distancing guidelines are still in place and likely will be until an effective treatment or vaccine is available . That means recommendations to stay at least 6 feet away from anyone outside of your household and wear a mask when you cant social distance are unlikely to change any time soon. However, quarantine fatigue has set in for many. And given the length of this ongoing public health crisis, is it realistic to expect people who are not in relationships or do not have a consistent sexual partner to abstain from sex altogether ?

I dont think its reasonable, Dr. David Bell an adolescent medicine physician and associate professor at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York City told HuffPost. It is human nature to need human connection, sex and intimacy.

So how might the pandemic shape the future of casual sex? Read on to find out.

Some people are, understandably, reluctant.