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Even though they look clean, public toilet seats are still a cause for concern. The reason is, toilets are known to be a den of various types of germs. This is why many people prefer squatting toilets for fear of contracting germs, let alone contracting venereal diseases from the toilet seat. Wait a minute, is it true that venereal disease can be transmitted through toilet seats? Here's the explanation.
Can I get venereal disease from the toilet seat?
Basically, the virus enters the body through the mucous membrane, which is the type of skin found in the mouth, genitals, and anus. The virus can also enter the body through exposed skin surfaces (wounds) or tear fluid.
According to dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale Medical School, says most bacteria cannot live outside human tissue. The reason is, the human body tissue is an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Meanwhile, Philip Tierno, Ph.D., a clinical professor from NYU Langone Medical Center said that the herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea viruses can only live outside the human body for about 10 seconds. That means that neither the bacteria or viruses that cause venereal disease cannot live outside the body for long periods of time.
Then, almost impossible someone is infected with venereal disease through public toilet seats, towels, or other objects used by the infected person.
In addition, bacteria or viruses that cause venereal disease will not be carried away by urine. Because of this, bacteria or viruses will not stick to cold, hard surfaces such as toilets.
What should be of greater concern is transmission through skin-to-skin contact (touch) or mouth (kissing). Yes, kissing can spread herpes. Even wetter, deeper kisses can spread gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Meanwhile, skin and skin contact can also spread infections such as genital warts, herpes, scabies, and pubic lice.
The safe way to use a public toilet
While a toilet seat won't expose you to venereal disease, it doesn't hurt to keep protecting yourself from exposure to germs in the toilet. The trick is to clean the toilet seat with a tissue before using it.
After you finish urinating or defecating, clean and wipe your genitals dry to prevent germs from remaining on your genitals. Don't forget to rinse (flush) toilet to flush germs that are still in the toilet.
Your own immune system is the main defense against infectious diseases in public toilets. The most important thing is you must wash hands after going to the toilet.
Washing hands is not just washing, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying. Perform hand washing techniques properly and correctly for 20 to 30 seconds on all parts of the palms and fingers, including under the fingernails. Rub gently between your fingers to loosen and release germs that have lodged in your hands. After that, rinse thoroughly and dry with a tissue or hand dryer.
Not only that, use dry tissue when closing the water tap and touching the toilet door handle when you are about to get out of the toilet. This is useful for preventing your hands from carrying germs when you return to your activities.
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