Table of contents:
- COVID-19 virus in toilet water
- 1,012,350
- 820,356
- 28,468
- Should you stop using public toilets?
- Prevent transmission of coronavirus from public toilets
Public toilets are one of the places with the most potential to spread COVID-19. Transmission does not only come from the virus that sticks to doors and cubicles, but also from the splashing water that gushes from the toilet when you flush it. This is what was reported in a recent study published in the journal Physics of Fluid .
The researchers found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be carried into the toilet water until it reaches a certain height in the air. If not careful, the spark could enter the respiratory tract. What is the process like and how can you avoid it?
COVID-19 virus in toilet water
Previous studies have shown that COVID-19 has the potential to spread through the feces of infected people. The possibility is indeed small and there have been no reports regarding this, but that does not mean that it can be ignored.
Transmission of COVID-19 through feces is most likely to occur in open spaces, especially public toilets. To see how big the risk is, some researchers from the American Institute of Physics have created a prediction model using computer calculations.
When a person who is positive for COVID-19 defecates, the virus from their feces mixes with toilet water. The predictive model shows if a positive patient flushes the toilet without closing it, he could potentially release a splash of water containing the virus into the air.
The water in the toilet forms a vortex when it is flushed. When there is a vortex, the water will collide with each other and produce a very fine water splash (aerosol). Aerosols can contain coronavirus, then inhaled or stick to surrounding objects.
Like fog, aerosols can float for hours in the air because they are much smaller than ordinary water splashes. The aerosol from a flushing toilet can also reach a height of one meter, even more in certain types of toilets.
1,012,350
Confirmed820,356
Recovered28,468
DeathDistribution MapCOVID-19 is basically transmitted through droplet (splash of fluid that comes out when the patient coughs, talks, or sneezes). The dangers of transmission through aerosols do exist, but experts are only finding it in a hospital setting.
Droplet can change form into aerosol when doctors treat COVID-19 patients who experience respiratory failure. The procedure given can convert the patient's respiratory fluids into aerosols, putting medical personnel at risk of infection.
In fact, a similar mechanism can also occur when you use the toilet. This is why you need to be vigilant when using shared facilities such as public toilets. Even so, you don't need to worry because there are simple ways to prevent it.
Should you stop using public toilets?
Although the risks are real, it is important to remember that the researchers' findings are the result of simulations. They have not made actual observations with people and use of real toilets.
When referring to this research, now many people should have contracted COVID-19 as a result of using the toilet. Public toilets should be one of the main sources of transmission of COVID-19.
The good news is, there has not been a single report of transmission of COVID-19 through toilet aerosols. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no research that can confirm how big the risk is.
The main method of transmission of COVID-19 remains through droplet from positive patients who cough or sneeze. Therefore, the main way of prevention is also to stick with physical distancing .
Prevent transmission of coronavirus from public toilets
The risk of transmitting COVID-19 through toilet aerosols is very small, but that does not mean that public toilets are a safe place. Aerosols that contain coronavirus can still stick to toilet seats, faucets, door handles, etc.
Coronavirus on surfaces can last for hours. You are at risk of becoming infected if you touch them and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands.
In this study, the most effective way to prevent the spread of aerosols was to close the toilet when flushing it. The problem is, there are still many toilets that are not equipped with a cover.
Toilets in the United States often do not have bidet lids. Meanwhile in Indonesia, most public toilets use squat toilets which are also not equipped with a cover. Both aerosols and water splashes can stick to every corner of the toilet.
To prevent transmission of COVID-19 in public toilets, make sure you pay attention to the following:
- Wash your hands after using the toilet
- Bring hand sanitizer or special cleaning wipes
- Don't touch unnecessary objects
- Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth before washing your hands
- Keeping your distance from other people when queuing for the toilet
The results did show that SARS-CoV-2 could spread through toilet aerosols. However, you don't need to panic because the risk is very small. You can still use public toilets safely as long as you follow the precautions.
