How to use public toilets safely, avoiding Covid-19 infection

Our world has many wonderful and wonderful inventions that everyone feels grateful for. Public toilets are one of them.

But at this time, just a few people sneezing or coughing softly are enough to make us feel frightened. Why is that? Because the Covid-19 epidemic is complicated and restricting exposure to bacteria in public places is a necessary work and unfortunately public toilets are a place where many people share them.

The chambers are most selected and have the highest risk of bacterial infection.

Here are some interesting experts on toilet and bacteria issues to help you prevent infection, especially Covid-19 when using public toilets.

Choose the bathroom wisely

In a 1995 study, a researcher at the University of California, San Diego tracked the amount of toilet paper used in the 4 chambers of a men's toilet on a state beach. After more than 10 weeks, he discovered that 60% of the paper was used in the two middle toilets.

This means these are the most selected rooms and are most at risk of bacterial infection. Assuming that all the rooms are cleaned equally, the cleanest toilets will be the last.

The cleanest toilets will be the last.

However, you should still choose rooms that look clean to the naked eye, even though they are not the final ones, because they are likely to be cleaner than the rest.

Don't worry too much about the toilet seats

' As far as I know, no one has ever had an STD (sexually transmitted disease) from toilet seats, unless they have sex on it, said Abigail Salyer, former president of the Association Microbiology of the United States shared with WebMD.

In other words, in order for you to get something disgusting from a chair, the germs must either move into your genitals or urinary tract or enter your body through an open wound or back hole - This is unlikely. And of course this will be true if you do not touch the seat manually.

So, try not to do that and absolutely do not touch the face in the public restroom, because any germ on your hand has the ability to get into your nose or mouth.

You can also line the seat with toilet paper, but try not to touch the seat.

However, if you still feel frightened, consider cleaning your toilet with an alcohol-based wipe before you sit down. According to Dr. David Jay Weber, an epidemiologist and doctor at the Global School of Public Health of the University of North Carolina at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

You can also line the seat with toilet paper, but try not to touch the seat and note that the toilet paper you use to place the seat may also contain germs on it. This is entirely understandable, since the last time the toilet is flushed, there is a possibility that there will still be air germs from the toilet that spread to the air, and then may have settled on the paper you are using.

So what about squatting?

Research shows that most women prefer to squat on the toilet seat to avoid exposure to germs and urine. However, some doctors worry that this posture may make it difficult to feel comfortable with your pelvic floor and this can be a risk.

Some studies show that squatting women take more time to urinate and don't make enough urine - this can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection. ' But in healthy people, these risks are very small, ' said Dr. Doreen Chung, urologist at Irving New York-Presbyterian Medical Center, Columbia University.

' Squatting is much better than avoiding the bathroom completely, although there are cases where a patient who waits too long will have difficulty relaxing the pelvic muscles to urinate ,' she said. And note, if you practice squatting, clean up after using the toilet.

Most public toilets do not have lids, but if they do, close the lid before flushing to minimize the amount of germs released into the air. Either way, get out of the toilet as quickly as possible after flushing, Dr. Weber recommends.

Wash and dry your hands, and never touch anything afterwards

Washing your hands after using a public restroom is very important - because we will definitely be infected by what we have touched.

Washing your hands after using a public restroom is very important.

A 2011 study found faecal bacteria on public toilet handles as well as skin-related bacteria, including staphylococci and streptococci on toilet doors. , closet door, faucet lock and soap dispenser.

Of course this is because many people do not wash their hands or do not wash their hands properly. Dr Matthew Zahn, chairman of the American Association of Infectious Diseases' public health committee, said: ' People often miss a few points on their hands when washing, such as the back of their fingertips. ' . Dr. Weber recommends washing your hands for at least 15 seconds with water at the right temperature so we don't have a tendency to rush.

However, think twice before using your newly washed hand to turn off the faucet because: ' It is probably the dirtiest spot in the toilet. Everyone turns on the faucet with dirty hands' - Dr. Judy Stone , a physician specializing in infectious diseases in Maryland said.

You should use a paper towel to open it, then throw the tissue in the outer trash.

Instead, consider drying your hands with a paper towel and then using that towel to turn off the faucet. In the absence of a tissue, you can use toilet paper or alcohol wipes if you have one. And if the tap you use is automatic, congratulations: You've just won the lottery.

What about a hand dryer?

When it comes to hygiene, paper towels are a lot cleaner than dryers. That's because if you or the restroom users have germs in their hands left over after washing, they will be blown around the surrounding space with a dryer.

In a 2012 review of 12 studies, researchers in Australia and China concluded that compared to dryers, paper towels are less polluting to the bathroom environment. Also, if you do not regularly dry your hands, or only partially dry them, please reconsider.

The truth is that it is difficult for public toilets to pass on you.

A 1997 study found that bacteria touched on wet hands were much easier to touch than dry hands; and of course that wet hand will spread the bacteria to other surfaces quite easily.

In particular, one last thing you need to do to stay healthy but often forgotten: leave the toilet properly. Even if your hands are clean, after opening the toilet door with your hand or grabbing the door handle, the bacteria still beat you.

If possible, open the door with your shoulders, elbows or hips. In case if the door has to be opened manually, Dr. Stone recommends using a tissue to open it, then discarding the tissue in the outer trash.

But honestly, do not worry too much!

Friends who are always scared, give you one final note to reassure: The fact that it is very difficult for public toilets to spread the disease to you , and of course it is better to solve sadness in a timely manner stay there instead of waiting until you get home.

We also admit that public toilets often smell and sometimes look bad because they contain germs. But you should know that what we encounter in the toilet is also present in the places we visit often, including offices, schools, homes and shops.

And unlike those locations, public toilets are equipped with soap and clean water to do a great job - removing bacteria from your hands. Rest assured that germs won't make you sick if you leave them in the toilet instead of taking them with you.

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