Using public toilets is dangerous: Have you ever used a public toilet? If yes, then who knows the condition there better than you. There is filth everywhere. Don’t even ask about the condition of the toilet seat. It seems as if bacteria have considered it their home. This is the condition of most public toilets in the country. No one likes to go there, unless there is an emergency.
There are bacteria present in every corner and as soon as we touch the toilet door, we immediately come in contact with it. These bacteria can put us at risk of many types of infections and diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.4 million people die every year in the world due to dirt. Out of these, 5,64,000 deaths are due to unsafe hygiene.
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What are the disadvantages of using dirty public toilets?
Most public toilets are filled with bacteria and dangerous viruses, which increases the risk of infection in users. The hepatitis A virus and bacteria like streptococcus, staphylococcus and E. coli present here can cause many diseases. There are 20 more such names. But more important than the names of those bacteria is to keep in mind that using a dirty public toilet is like inviting diseases.
Know in detail about the diseases caused by it in the pointers below.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infection can occur especially in women due to uncleanliness in public toilets. This can lead to serious health conditions such as pain or burning sensation while using the toilet, frequent visits to the toilet, foam or blood in the toilet, pain in the lower back or abdomen.
gastrointestinal infection
Gastrointestinal infections are caused by bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which are often present on public toilet seats, flush handles and doorknobs. When these bacteria enter the stomach through contaminated hands or food, they can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea.
hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can occur through contact with contaminated surfaces or fecal matter present in public toilets. The hepatitis A virus is usually found in the feces of infected individuals and can survive on surfaces for a certain period of time. There is a risk of infection if special attention is not paid to cleanliness. Hepatitis A can cause inflammation of the liver and lead to symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain and nausea.
Viral Infection
Norovirus and other viruses like influenza are present on taps, sinks, flushes etc. and can enter our body through some medium. Due to this, we can fall prey to cold and other viral diseases. Know about the diseases caused by using dirty toilets in the graphic below.
What precautions should be taken while using a public toilet?
Using a public toilet is a nightmare, but in an emergency we have no choice but to use it. Don’t worry though, we have an action plan that will make your next public toilet visit a little less dangerous. You can try the tips given in the graphic to reduce the risk of diseases caused by dirt.
Women are at the highest risk of using public toilets. What should they do to avoid this?
Women face a lot of challenges while using public toilets. Most women want to avoid using them due to insecurity and dirt. Below are some tips for women in the graphic, which they can follow while using public toilets.
Now let’s talk in some detail about using public toilets safely. For this, follow the points given below.
Choose public restrooms wisely
Don’t use any public toilet. Go to a public toilet that is clean, even if you have to pay a little more. Usually, the toilets that you pay to use are cleaner.
Touch only those things which are necessary
When going to a public toilet, make sure that you touch as few surfaces as possible with your hands. After coming out, do not do anything without washing your hands. This reduces the chances of cross contamination.
Close the lid and flush
Don’t forget to flush the toilet before you leave, but close the lid before doing so. This traps air inside the toilet and prevents bacteria from spreading throughout the room.
Do not leave your bags, coats etc. on the toilet floor
Try not to keep your belongings on the toilet floor. This increases the chances of more items coming in contact with the bacterial surface and spreading infection. Keep the items at a higher place, hang them on a hanger or give them to someone outside.
Be sure to wash your hands
This may not seem like a big deal, but you will be surprised to know that according to the World Health Organization, the risk of infection can be reduced to a great extent by just washing hands properly with soap. So, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after coming from the toilet.
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