Public restrooms are a big topic of conversation because, although no one really wants to use them, the harsh reality is that at some point in life, everyone needs a public restroom. One of the reasons behind the aversion to public restrooms is the perception that they might be dirty, used by hundreds of people, and harbor viruses. The truth is, one of the biggest myths is that infections are transmitted through the toilet bowl. In reality, you’re more likely to get sick from other bathroom surfaces, such as door handles, faucets, or countertops, because you touch them with your hands and then, unconsciously, touch your face.
The most important thing to know is that skin, as long as it doesn’t have open wounds, is resistant to viruses and bacteria
The fact is that, according to experts, many viruses are transmitted this way. In fact, the main route of infection is when a person touches a surface contaminated with bacteria or a virus and then, without washing their hands properly, touches their face. The most important thing to know is that skin, as long as it doesn’t have open wounds, is resistant to viruses and bacteria. Germs don’t teleport themselves into the body from a toilet seat; they need an entry point, and hands are usually the culprits. The probability of someone contracting an illness by sitting on a toilet is very low. The best protection is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the bathroom. This is the most effective way to prevent infections, as was emphasized repeatedly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
it’s important to keep in mind that these habits can sometimes make things worse
Those barriers that many people put between the toilet and their skin can help, but sometimes they can be even worse than sitting directly on it. Putting toilet paper or paper circles on the toilet seat helps prevent contact with germs, as long as the paper is fresh and clean. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these habits can sometimes make things worse, since touching multiple surfaces only spreads more germs. It’s important, therefore, to wash your hands afterward and stop worrying so much about toilet seats, as long as they aren’t dirty or the person doesn’t have any open wounds through which germs could enter.
“It’s very unlikely that women will contract diseases from using public restrooms”
There’s a common belief among women that they may be more exposed to viruses and bacteria in public restrooms because they have to sit on the toilet, while men don’t. “It’s very unlikely, even if we lean on it, that women will contract diseases from using public restrooms,” assures gynecologist Vilma Rosciszewski. And as we explained earlier, whether a man or a woman, if they touch surfaces in a public restroom, don’t wash their hands, and then touch their face (mouth, eyes, nose), they have a higher risk of contracting a virus or bacteria.
This kind of information is important to know, since popular myths are what spread the most. And perhaps the most contagious thing in a public restroom isn’t sitting on the toilet, but touching the door handle, as is the case here. There are other popular myths that are well-known to almost everyone. For example, the one about peeling all fruits and vegetables. In most cases, the peel contains valuable fiber and vitamins. If you wash the produce well, you can eat the peel without any problem. Or that other myth about the five-second rule, which says that if some food falls on the floor and no more than five seconds pass, it’s safe to eat. The truth is, that’s not the case; bacteria adhere instantly. Hygiene and physical health are fundamental to preventing widespread infections so being aware of our surroundings is absolutely essential to protect ourselves and others.
