Navigating illness while poly

Especially in the midst of a viral outbreak, talking about health and wellness not necessarily related to STIs and sexual health is vital. This episode covers some tips on how to stay healthy and keep your partners healthy in general, though it also discusses COVID-19 briefly. Thanks to Multiamory’s good friend Phi and her blog, Polyammering, there’s already been some discussion within the community on how to stay healthy and illness-free during cold and flu season and some topics to discuss within your polycule:

1. When plans have to be changed due to illness, figure out how to navigate the situation. Will your date simply be canceled, or will you have a make-up date? Do you go to events even though you’re ill? How do you support a partner when their plans get canceled?

2. Support each other when someone is out of commission, maybe by bringing them medicine or goodies to help them feel better, doing small chores for them, helping take care of pets, checking up on them via phone or text, etc.

3. Discuss with your polycule if getting flu shots is something you all should do, or if anyone involved is immunocompromised in some way. Do you have a policy or protocol in place for if someone gets sick? Do you stay away from partners until you’re better?

The coronavirus outbreak

During a global pandemic like the one occurring right now, it’s easy to panic and spiral. Making your mental and emotional health a priority during times like this is critical, even if that means taking a step back. Some tactics for prioritizing your mental health can look like this:

1. Take a social media break if you need to. Some apps, like Twitter, even have filters where you can filter out certain hashtags or topics in order to decompress.

2. Be selective about your news sources. The CDC and WHO are good resources that convey information rather than inciting panic. Some local news or local health departments may also fall into this category, but take care that they don’t send you down a rabbit hole of dread.

3. Continue to take advantage of whatever regular measures you take to help mental health, such as therapy, processing, medication, art, exercise, self-care, meditation, etc.

4. Set boundaries if you need to. It’s all right to let people know you’d rather not talk about it, and if possible and applicable, remove yourself from the situation.

Taking precautions

The CDC guidelines to preventing infection are good to keep in mind:

1. Wash/clean your hands often. Wash for twenty seconds with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or being in a public place.

2. Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol IF soap and water is not available.

3. Avoid coming into contact with high-touch surfaces in public areas, such as elevator buttons, door handles, hand rails, people’s hands, etc.

4. Don’t touch your face, nose, eyes, etc.

5. Wear a mask if you MUST be around people when you’re sick; they’re more effective at preventing you spreading illness than they are preventing you catching something.

6. Take your sick days if you get them, and if you’re in a position of authority, make sure your employees have sick days.

Stay safe during these stressful times, and take precautions to make sure that you and your loved ones are doing what you can to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. We love you!