2023-09-22 18:00:42
Going to a public bathroom is not a pleasant experience at all. Discover the actions you should avoid to safeguard your safety and health.
Last update: September 22, 2023
There are many moments when Going to a public bathroom is the only option to heed the calls of nature. Whether because you are in a shopping center, at the airport, in a warehouse or other places away from home, you are forced to use a toilet of this type.
Of course, it is an unpleasant experience, since many people pass by there all the time and they are usually not hygienic places, even if they appear to be clean. Hence the importance of taking some preventive measures and avoiding certain actions that increase the risk of infections.
What you should never do in a public bathroom
The idea of using a public bathroom usually arouses a certain ‘germophobia’ among people, and the fear of contracting possible infections becomes so high that many take desperate measures such as opening the cubicle door with their elbows or cover the seat with a pile of toilet paper.
But, although it is true that these sites harbor microorganisms such as streptococci, staphylococci, bacteria E. coli, hepatitis A virus, common cold viruses, among others; Anxiety about possible contagion is usually exaggerated.
As Judy Daly, a professor of pathology at the University of Utah, explains, most of these germs die quickly and do not pose the threat that many believe. Even if you come into contact with certain viruses or bacteria, You would have to contract a very large amount to get sick.
In any case, it is important to take certain precautions, especially with the implementation of some hygiene measures. What are those things you should avoid? Below, we detail them.
1. Don’t sit on the toilet bowl
It is often recommended to avoid direct contact with the toilet bowl, as infectious microorganisms accumulate on its surface. Nevertheless, The real risk around this stock is a matter of discussion.
through the diary The New York TimesErica Donner – professor of environmental sciences at the University of South Australia – explains that standing above the toilet seat represents a risk to others if you are not good aim, as accidental spills often occur on the surface.
Besides, Not having enough balance when squatting can make it difficult to empty your bladder.which tends to increase the risk of cystitis and the need to go to the bathroom again, in a short time.
So should I sit on the toilet? This depends. For now, the evidence suggests that coming into contact with a toilet seat does not lead to infections. Pathogens are very unlikely to cause a “breech-transmitted disease.”
Still, you have to consider the basics: how hygienic the bathroom looks. To be possible, You have to clean it with a disinfectant wipe before using it. Still, if you don’t have one on hand and the surface looks clean, there should be no problem.
The decision to sit on a toilet or not is rather personal. Studies indicate that the risk of contagion from having direct contact with this surface is very low. On the other hand, relieving yourself with maneuvers so as not to sit can cause problems if there is not adequate emptying of the bladder or if spills occur.
2. Put toilet paper on the seat
Considering that contact with the bathroom surface rarely poses a real risk, placing strips of toilet paper on the seat is a useless action. In fact, in addition to wasting paper, you may be increasing the risk of infections.
The reason? This paper has a material and texture designed to absorb, which makes it easier for microorganisms to adhere and transfer to the skin. This is aggravated if the paper available in the bathroom is not inside a cover that protects it from external germs.
3. Thinking that other elements in the bathroom are harmless
It is often overlooked that other elements in the bathroom are also sources of contamination. Doors, faucets, dryers and other surfaces are also sources of viruses and bacteria that can cause diseases.
Hence the importance of washing your hands well before and after entering these bathrooms. If the water does not come out with the sensor, a good option is to hold the faucet with a paper towel or something plastic. Additionally, when using heat dryers, avoid letting your hands touch the vents.
4. Use the smartphone inside the bathroom
Nowadays, the use of smartphone in many spaces; One of the most common is the bathroom. Whether at home or in a public bathroom, there are several risks. These are often easily contaminated with viruses and bacteria that cause infections, either by leaving them on a surface in the bathroom or by handling them with dirty hands.
On the other hand, specialists warn that sitting for a long time looking at your cell phone in the bathroom increases the risk of hemorrhoids.
5. Pull the chain with your hands
You are more likely to get infections when your hands come into contact with various surfaces in the bathroom. Therefore, instead of flushing the toilet with your hands, It is preferable that you do it with the shoe.
Also, try to lower the lid (also with your shoe or using paper) before performing this action. This is in order to prevent the power of the water from throwing microsubstances out of the toilet.
6. Put your things on the bathroom floor
Even if the bathroom floor looks clean at first glance, try to avoid placing your bag or other items on it. Germs and dirt particles can stick to its surface, and then transfer to your hands.
Find the hook and better hang it. If possible, Ask someone to hold your things while you go into the bathroom.
7. Using exposed toilet paper
As we have mentioned, toilet paper is an element that tends to become easily contaminated, due to its absorbent characteristic. If it is not protected with a cover, or if it is not delivered to you in a bag or box, avoid using it.
When the roll is placed on one of the bathroom surfaces—or in a dispenser, but uncovered— It is very likely that it is not as clean as it appears. To avoid this inconvenience, try to always carry your own paper or wet wipes in your bag.
Handwashing: the most important habit to protect yourself from the risks of using a public bathroom
As long as the immune system is healthy, the risks of contracting illness from using public bathrooms are minimal. However, although the body has good defenses, Hand washing is an essential complement.
Sometimes, in the rush to get out of these bathrooms, many people overlook washing their hands. Mistake! You are more likely to get an infection from touching your hands in these spaces than from sitting on the toilet..
The correct thing, then, is to dedicate a few seconds to this action. It is not worth doing it quickly under running water and without using soap. Try to wash them for 20 or 30 seconds, also rubbing the wrists and the areas between the fingers and under the nails.
If your bathroom doesn’t have sensors, remember to use a paper towel to handle the faucet or soap dispensers.
For safety, you can also have disinfectant gel on hand. This way, if the bathroom doesn’t have space for hand washing, or if you don’t want to touch the faucet, you can give them a quick clean until you can access soap and water.
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