is sex a good idea when your sick

Engaging in sex while sick, especially with the flu, might not be advisable. During illness, the release of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, not only decreases levels of testosterone and estrogen but also reduces sexual desire 1. Additionally, during the flu, you are most contagious in the days when symptoms like fever and coughing peak, which are also the days when you feel the worst 2.

Overall, it's important to consider not just your own well-being but also the risk of spreading the infection to your partner. Therefore, it might be wiser to focus on recovery and ensure you are completely well before resuming sexual activities.