The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants everybody to practice safe sex - especially as cases of monkeypox continue to rise.
Per CNN, monkeypox is an incredibly rare disease that is currently being diagnosed in people all over the world, with 72 cases being reported in the United States alone.
At least 16 countries have reported cases of the disease, which can result in sufferers experiencing a fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and muscle aches. These symptoms are often followed by the person developing a rash on their face, which then spreads to other areas of the body.
Yesterday, the CDC issued new guidelines on dealing with the disease for Americans, as 18 states have reported confirmed cases.
Naturally, any advice for keeping people safe and healthy is welcome, but one section of the CDC's notes couldn't help but raise a few eyebrows.
In their report, the CDC shares a number of ways people can lower the risk of contracting monkeypox by having sex.
As well as talking to any sexual partners "about any recent illnesses" or "unexplained sores or rashes", the CDC also advises that people "have virtual sex with no in-person contact".
But that's not all, the guidelines also suggest that you could mutually pleasure yourself "at a distance of at least 6 feet, without touching each other ".
"Consider having sex with your clothes on or covering areas where rash or sores are present, reducing as
much skin-to-skin contact as possible," it adds, before killing all the romance by suggesting: "Avoid kissing."
And once you're finished, the CDC wants everybody to "remember to wash your hands, fetish gear, sex toys and any fabrics (bedding, towels, clothing)".
Finally, be sure to "limit your number of partners to avoid opportunities for monkeypox to spread".
The agency also suggests avoiding "sex clubs", as they are often locations where "minimal or no clothing" is worn and "where intimate sexual contact occurs".
Although this information may come across like your parents sitting you down in the kitchen to have "the talk" with you, monkeypox is a serious developing issue, so it's always best to heed the advice of the CDC.
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