Sitting on a public loo is usually a low point of any day, and that's even the regularly cleaned one.
As well as worrying you will sit in something bad left by another patron of the facilities, there's a fear that invisible nasties will also lack onto you.
Apparently, you and indy100 are not alone in having this fear, despite the fact it's unlikely it will ever happen to you.
According to NHS physician, Dr Preethi Daniel, fears of catching a disease from a toilet seat is one of the most common questions patients ask her.
In particular people ask about catching genital diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or syphilis, but Dr Daniel explains it's unlikely.
Writing for Healthista, she said:
"To contract these diseases the germs would have to be directly transferred from the toilet seat to your genital tract, or through an open wound or sore on your legs or buttocks.
You are more likely to be struck by lightning whilst riding a flying pig than catching a sexually transmitted disease from a public toilet seat, so please don’t worry."
The only bugs which one could possibly contract from a toilet seat are E-coli or Salmonella.
She also warns that the floor of public toilets have more germs than the seat, so just keep your shoes on.
Funnily enough, trying to avoid getting a urine infection from the toilet seat, can lead to getting a urine infection,Dr Daniel explains.
"All that squatting and hovering we do to avoid touching the toilet seat, and the mad rush we are in to get out of the toilet cubicle are what can give us a urine infection.
By not emptying your bladder completely, in a rush or if you are squatting, you are exposing your body to potentially harmful bacteria."
She give three solid pieces of advice for avoiding infections from public bathrooms.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet
- Carry a travel size antibacterial hand sanitiser for extra protection
- Cover the toilet seat with toilet paper or use antibacterial wipes before sitting
In addition to offering these good hygeine tips, Dr Daniel stresses that 'there is no medical evidence to support the transmission of any diseases from a public toilet.'
Phew!
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