Is there a risk of contracting a disease in a public restroom?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Public toilet - the place is far from the cleanest, even if it is a paid institution with regular cleaning. However, there are situations when we are forced to use the services of public toilets - and then the question arises: how safe is it? Are there ways to reduce the risk of contracting diseases when visiting these establishments?
Experts decided to thoroughly understand this issue, as detailed in the well-known edition of The Daily Mail.
Experts point out that a person who rarely visits public latrines may be tempted to leave as soon as possible. This can lead to the fact that the bladder is not completely devastated - as a consequence, can develop cystitis. Also, it's not a fact that all the windows will not be open in the toilet - and what can lead to drafts, we all know perfectly.
Among other things, there is widespread popular belief that such a public institution is capable of spreading all kinds of diseases that are sexually transmitted - for example, one can "pick up" chlamydia, gonococcus, pale treponema. Experts say: you should not worry, because such serious pathogens of infectious diseases have practically no chance to penetrate your body in a public toilet. In order for this to happen, direct exposure of pathogenic microorganisms from the walls of the toilet bowl to the genitals, or open skin damage on the limbs, or on the buttocks is required. Experts point out: the chances of a person being struck by a lightning are higher than the chances of catching a sexual infection in the toilet.
The maximum that can happen: you get dirty, you will be uncomfortable. But you do not get infected - it's unlikely. For example, HIV passes only through the blood or during sex - but not with urine. Chlamydia and papillomavirus "lie" in the depth of the genital organs, so it is impossible to hit the toilet. The herpesvirus "lives" in the middle of the cell, and beyond it quickly dies. Pale treponema and pubic lice pass from person to person, too, mainly during sexual intercourse. In addition, lice are unable to move around the smooth walls of the toilet bowl - they simply do not know how to do it.
- Nevertheless, doctors offer a number of simple rules, the implementation of which will protect themselves from the adverse consequences of visiting a public restroom:
- Wash hands after using the toilet - it is necessary, regardless of whether the public is a place, or individual.
- For added safety, you can wash your hands with a special antibacterial soap.
- In a public restroom, you need to use special patches on the toilet, and if they are not - then antimicrobial or ordinary napkins.
- It is undesirable to stay in the toilet room for a long time, and also to touch the walls with hands, and the more so the floor is the dirtiest place you can imagine.
Fortunately, medicine does not have cases of infection with any illnesses in a public restroom. However, the observance of hygienic rules can not be ignored - it is very important, both for your health and for the health of your loved ones, "The Daily Mail reports.
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