Author's Note: the information contained within is US centric.
The pandemic has not ended
We are still in a pandemic. COVID has not ended. These are facts that must be understood before moving into how to keep ourselves and our communities safer. If you already are aware of this, feel free to skip this section
I’m not blaming you if you think that the pandemic is over; most people do. If you’re not paying enough attention, that is the message being put out. Some have called this an intentional disinformation campaign. On May 5, 2023 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an official end of the public global health emergency. On May 11th, 2023, in the United States, the national emergency response to the pandemic ended.
The widespread perception is that the pandemic is over and COVID is not really a big deal. Media coverage has constantly been lacking and most people have stopped taking precautions. Biden has said countless times that the pandemic is over.
However, January 2024 was the second biggest COVID surge in the US, with over 2 million million cases daily, according to estimates based on wastewater data. This came after the federal and statewide pandemic response ended. To put that number into perspective, it meant that 1 in 23 people were infectious at any given time.
In early September 2024, based on wastewater data, we were at an estimated 1.3 million daily cases. That means 1 in 35 people were infectious. Over one million people have died from COVID-19 in the US alone. Between 5% to 20% of people infected develop long COVID. Taking the best case scenario, in August 2024 alone, it is likely 1.8 million people in the US developed long COVID. If you think COVID just impacts people who are already sick, the unfortunate reality is that COVID is likely to make you one of those people. A cumulative 7 million people globally have died from COVID.
Staying Safer
In the US, workers, especially those engaging in what is often a criminalized trade, have little protection against illness. Providers do not have paid sick leave or employer provided health insurance, so getting ill can result in a disastrous loss of income. Helping the workers you interact with avoid illness is a way of engaging in solidarity and is also crucial if you would like to continue to benefit from what those workers provide.
So, how do you keep those around you safer, including your provider? I follow the “Swiss Cheese Model” of protection, which is the idea that every intervention we can take is imperfect, but when layered together, they will provide more success mitigating COVID. Let’s get into all the methods you can implement to reduce COVID risks for yourself and those around you.
Masks
In order to try and prevent spreading or contracting COVID, limiting the amount of unsafe contact you have is important. The best way to do that is through wearing high quality masks in any indoor space where other people are. My end goal with masking is that though it may be imperfect at times, any lessened exposure is safer. Wear a high quality mask in any instance that you can, such as at the grocery store, while spending time with friends, at work, at a concert, in an uber, etc.
Wearing a mask allows you to do plenty of activities with less risk! I personally avoid indoor gatherings that I cannot mask at, such as going to restaurants.
Many people also are not aware that N95s are the most effective masks.
Surgical masks (the baggy blue ones) were recommended before it was understood that COVID is airborne, and they only really provide protection against droplets due to their lack of tight fit and poor filtration ability. Droplets are larger particles and are easier to contain than airborne viruses.
I understand that seeing your provider is an intimate experience that you may think will be more fully enjoyed without masking. That said, I think an experience where we are not at risk of seriously harming each other has even more potential to be enjoyed. If you are unwilling to mask during a booking, please mask during all other indoor or crowded occasions to lessen the chance of being infectious and practice the other methods I will explain below.
It's also worth noting that multiple US states and cities have attempted to or have successfully passed mask bans, which would have a negative impact on public health. If you live in one of these states, please consider what actions you can take in response.
Clean indoor air
Since COVID-19 is airborne, using portable air cleaners with HEPA filters is an effective protection measure to take. If you are booking an outcall, you can run multiple air purifiers in that space. During an incall, ask your provider about ventilation and if they are comfortable with you bringing a portable air purifier. If you are in the position to do so, you could consider buying your provider an air purifier.
The goal with air filtering is to lessen the amount of virus particles in the air, which will lessen the chance of inhalation. In addition to stand-alone air purifiers, you can improve your home’s ventilation. If your house has an HVAC system, use MERV13 or better filters. Here is a very detailed guide to improving COVID safety within your home. This guide is less detailed but easy to follow and understand.
Other mitigation strategies
Following the Swiss Cheese Model, there are other mitigation strategies that many people aren't aware of. I want to be clear that these strategies alone are not going to prevent COVID, but when layered with other methods, can greatly reduce the risk of transmission.
CPC mouthwash is very affordable and has been shown to reduce COVID’s infectivity. Many common mouthwashes contain it. I use CPC mouthwash every time I return home.
Iota-carrageenan nasal sprays have been shown to reduce the risk of COVID infection by up to 80% when exposed. There are other nasal sprays that are effective as well. Here’s a breakdown with more information.
Nasal irrigation is easy to do at home, affordable, and shown to reduce risk of COVID infection after exposure and reduce severity of symptoms if you do get COVID. Here’s a guide with more information about the benefits and simple to follow instructions.
While not proven to be useful at preventing COVID, oral probiotics have been shown to reduce mortality and severity of symptoms in people who have COVID.
Testing
At this point, at-home rapid tests don't actually provide much information about whether someone is actually negative for COVID. This may lead people to think testing is no longer accessible or an option.
Luckily, there are a few different molecular at-home COVID tests that have similar accuracy to PCR and give results in about 30 minutes. I've built the cost of these tests into my pricing so I can test before any unmasked interaction. They are also small and easy to transport. If you are seeing a provider, you can test before potentially exposing them.
I initially purchased the Metrix reader and test kit. Tests are $25 USD after the initial purchase of the reader. This is generally the most affordable in the US. However, I’ve found that tests often are out of stock during surges.
I've now switched to the PlusLife reader and testing kits, which ships from the EU. The initial reader presents a more significant upfront investment but is made up for by the fact tests cost around $10 USD. I tend to purchase many tests at a time since the shipping takes a number of weeks. This test is also the most sensitive at-home molecular COVID test. Please keep in mind that the plug is designed for European outlets and you may need an adaptor.
Here's a post that breaks down different at-home test option accuracy.
Communication
We are at a point where most people no longer communicate if they’re experiencing COVID-like symptoms, or even if they test positive. I urge you to help break that cycle so we can all make more informed decisions. Let your provider know when you last tested and the precautions that you take. Sharing information is a way to practice better consent with your provider. (Remember the CRISP model?)
If you know anyone who you want to talk to about COVID precautions, this is a great resource.
Final thoughts
Providers are already often part of marginalized communities. COVID disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, such as BIPOC individuals. Being a good client means keeping the health and safety of your provider in mind and practicing COVID precautions can be one way to do that.
If you have dropped precautions and this article has convinced you to start again, thank you. I know it’s overwhelming and can sometimes feel hopeless. I, myself, occasionally feel overwhelmed by how difficult taking precautions can be when almost no one else is. It can feel incredibly isolating to take COVID precautions as most people around you pretend that things are normal. Seek out like minded people. Look for COVID safer events in your area. Find a local Mask Bloc.
Resources:
The People’s CDC
COVID zine library
COVID Tips: How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About COVID
Let Them Eat Plague
Clean Air Club's COVID Positive Guide
The information in this article/on this website is for general information only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the website owner - Tryst. Tryst does not provide medical advice and the information on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek the advice of a qualified medical professional provider regarding any medical questions or concerns you have. Tryst is not liable for any issues caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided directly or indirectly, by use of this website or article.
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