Is it dangerous to sit on the rim of the toilet in public toilets

Public toilets are usually not very clean. Are there a lot of bacteria?

Public toilets contain a huge amount of harmful bacteria, both in the air and on hard surfaces. E. coli, salmonella, colymorphic bacteria, rotavirus, and the common cold virus - the list sounds menacing. Nevertheless, the risks of catching the disease in the toilet are about the same as on the beach, in the sauna and public transport.

What happens if I sit on the rim of the toilet? Am I getting infected with something?

Most people are afraid of getting sexually transmitted diseases and skin diseases from contact with the toilet seat outside the home. Let's see if there is a reason for this.

Most sexually transmitted diseases can only be contracted through blood or sexual contact. Their pathogens can live outside the human body for some time if they are in a humid environment. But if there are no cuts on the body, and the toilet seat is dry, the chances are almost zero.

The same applies to herpes and genital warts. Pubic lice cannot move on a flat surface either. So it is extremely difficult to catch a genital infection in the toilet.

The chances of catching skin or intestinal infections from the seat are slightly higher, but not significantly, especially if the skin is intact. A visitor to the toilet is not in danger, even if he accidentally sits in someone else's urine: the concentration of bacteria in it is quite low.

There is a small chance of getting infected, for example, shingles, but, again, it is not higher than the likelihood of catching it on the lake or in transport.

The following factors increase the risk of infection with something:

Wet seat.
Recent hair removal or shaving of the intimate area.
Sores or cuts in the skin around the genitals.
Using the flush while sitting on the toilet.
Weakened immunity.

But there are places in the toilet that are more dangerous than the toilet seat.

Seriously? What other dangers are there?

The biggest spots for bacteria to collect are the flush button, booth handles, front door and faucet handles, and a hand dryer and toilet paper. A fairly large number of fecal bacteria hovers in the toilet, and a hot air dryer simply distills them onto freshly washed hands.

As for the paper, visitors often tear pieces from it, holding the entire roll with their dirty hands. If it hangs, but is not covered with a lid, then it becomes the largest source of bacteria in the entire toilet. Therefore, covering the toilet seat with paper is not always a good idea.

How to minimize all risks?

Wash your hands before and after using the toilet with soap and water.
Carry antibacterial wipes or an antiseptic spray in case soap is out.
If the toilet seat is wet, wipe it down with paper, and when dry, use antibacterial wipes (dry is the main thing).
Carry your toilet paper with you whenever possible. Some even carry a paper seat in their purse.
Press the flush from the toilet and close the lid, otherwise dirty water will splatter on the seat and bacteria will enter the air.
If you need to flush before going to the toilet, press the button with a tissue.
Do not use a hand dryer, but rather dry it off with a paper towel.
Remember that public toilets with toilets are safer than wooden outdoor toilets and dry closets.