Does testing positive for COVID-19 affect marital life?

　　A positive result for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) indicates that testing for the virus has returned a positive result. Generally speaking, if a patient infected with the novel coronavirus has mild symptoms, it may not affect conjugal relations. However, if the infection is severe or presents significant symptoms, it may impact marital intimacy. Detailed explanations are as follows:

　　For patients with severe illness or obvious symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing, physical strength and immunity may be reduced. In such cases, conjugal relations are not recommended to avoid increasing the physical burden on the patient and to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Additionally, if one partner tests positive for the coronavirus while the other is not infected, intimate contact should be temporarily avoided to prevent cross-infection until the infected individual has fully recovered and a doctor confirms they are no longer contagious.

　　If the infection symptoms are mild, such as only slight fever and cough, and the individual's physical condition allows, conjugal relations may be cautiously resumed provided appropriate protective measures are taken, including wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and maintaining social distancing. However, since the novel coronavirus is contagious, intimate contact should be minimized during sexual activity to reduce the risk of virus transmission.

　　Therefore, during the period of novel coronavirus infection, both partners should decide whether to engage in conjugal relations based on the specific medical condition and physical status of the infected individual.