Public restrooms are a necessary evil. Most people don’t like using them, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.

We’ve all heard the horror stories about the germs that lurk in public restrooms, but how likely is it to get infected from them? Let’s take a closer look.

Bacteria and Viruses in Public Restrooms

Public restrooms are a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Some of the most common ones include:.

• E.coli
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Hepatitis A
• Norovirus

These germs can be found on surfaces such as toilet seats, door handles, faucets, and soap dispensers. They can also be present in the air if someone is coughing or sneezing.

How Germs Are Spread in Public Restrooms

Germs in public restrooms can be spread in several ways:.

• Touching contaminated surfaces
• Breathing in airborne germs
• Coming into contact with bodily fluids (such as urine or feces)

The most common way for germs to be transmitted in public restrooms is through touch. If you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you can easily become infected.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Infection

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection in public restrooms:.

Related Article The Probability of Contracting Infections from Public Toilets

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after using the restroom
• Use a paper towel to open the door when leaving the restroom
• Avoid touching your face while in the restroom
• Use a seat cover or a layer of toilet paper when sitting on the toilet

While these steps can help reduce your risk of infection, they’re not foolproof. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid using public restrooms whenever possible.

What About COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. It can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, which are produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.

Public restrooms can increase your risk of contracting COVID-19 if someone with the virus has used them recently.

However, the risk is relatively low if you follow basic hygiene practices like wearing a mask, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing.

The Bottom Line

The risk of getting infected from public restrooms is relatively low if you practice good hygiene habits. However, it’s still a good idea to avoid using them whenever possible.

If you must use a public restroom, take precautions to protect yourself.

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, avoid touching your face, and use a paper towel to open the door when leaving. By following these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of getting sick from public restrooms.