Public toilet is one of the most sought-after facilities, particularly when we are in the crowds or public places such as offices, malls, restaurants, etc. Since the toilet is a public facility, there are concerns such as “can viruses and bacteria from a person infect other toilet users?”

Some diseases caused by viruses or bacteria are feared to spread through the use of the public toilet, such as viruses that can cause genital herpes and bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Shigella, Streptococcus). Genital herpes is one of the sexually transmitted infections, while Escherichia coli is considered as a bacterium that causes diarrheal disease.

It turns out that there is a misperception about it. The use of a public toilet cannot cause a person to be infected with genital herpes. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is only transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact. In most cases of genital herpes, it is known that the viruses are infecting through the mucous membranes (a type of skin exists in the mouth, genitals and anus) or injuries to the body or tears. Since the virus that can cause genital herpes cannot survive outside the body, it cannot infect someone through direct contact with the toilet that has been used by an infected person. Moreover, the bacteria that can cause diseases such as Escherichia coli, Shigella, Streptococcus can spread through food and drinks that are infected and not through contact with the toilet.

In addition to the viruses and bacteria found in public toilets that cannot infect humans only through contact with the toilet, our immune system is generally able to kill viruses and bacteria that are commonly present in toilets so as not to cause the body to become infected. However, to maximise the effort to protect the body from virus and bacterial attacks, several methods can be done, such as:

• Use alcohol wipes containing antiseptics to clean the toilet seat. Wipes containing alcohol can be useful to kill viruses and bacteria.
• Cover the edge of the toilet seat using tissue paper.
• Wash the hand after using the toilet; it is better with anti-bacterial soap.
• Do not touch the eyes, nose and mouth after touching the toilet before washing the hands to avoid the spread of influenza viruses.

Text by Rezky Zakiri
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Widhianto, M. A. (2015). Kesehatan pada toilet umum berdasarkan sentuhan tangan. Prosiding Temu ilmiah IPLBI.
• Can You Get Genital Herpes From a Toilet Seat?. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/expert-answers/genital-herpes/faq-20058506, September 12, 2018.
• What Can You Catch in Restrooms?. http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/what-can-you-catch-in-restrooms#1, September 12, 2018.