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Public Restroom Germ Protection Is Mostly A Matter Of Education And Common Sense

By Larry Jackson


If you conducted a survey and asked participants where they are apt to pick up the most germs, the majority of them would say public restrooms. They aren't entirely wrong because bacteria loves organic waste and moisture. The threat of an STD, which concerns many, is fairly low however. These kinds of viruses don't live long outside the human body. You have a much better chance of getting salmonella or shigellosis from touching faucets and door handles. Public restroom germ protection is possible though, it you follow some common sense rules.

The importance of washing your hands cannot be overstated. It's hard to believe, but only about two thirds of patrons of communal bathrooms actually use soap and water after exiting the stalls. Drying your hands thoroughly can be as important as washing them. Bacteria can live on in moist palms. Air dryers often don't completely remove moisture, so paper towels are your best bet.

If you have ever used a communal bathroom, only to come out of the stall and find there are no paper towels or soap, you know how irritating something like that is. It's also unsanitary. Checking when you first enter a bathroom is the best idea. That way you can leave and flag down a manager or waiter to ask that the supplies be replenished.

There are actually people who have studied which stall is the best to use in a communal bathroom. It turns out that you should pick the one nearest the door, if possible. For some reason, people tend to pass this one by, so it tends to stay cleaner and better supplied.

Actually sitting on the seat makes a lot of people cringe. If you can manage, hovering is preferable to contact with a questionably antiseptic seat. For those who must sit, using a seat liner can work, if they are available. Once again, there are people who come prepared with their own liners in their purses or totes.

If you have ever gone into a public bathroom at the beach, you have probably seen other people walking around barefoot or in flip flops. Not only is it possible to pick up bacteria from the floor, it's very likely you will unless you protect yourself by wearing real shoes. You need to remember that the floors may only get mopped once a day.

Door and tap handles in communal restrooms are full of germs and bacteria. You need to avoid touching them if you can. It may be awkward, but using your elbow to push a door handle up and down is better than using your bare hand. You can also turn a tap on and off with paper towels instead of touching the metal directly. Hand sanitizer is sometimes provided, but keeping a little bottle in your purse or pocket will ensure protection.

Most people are accustomed to using communal restrooms. They are generally safe unless they are obviously dirty. No matter how clean they look, you should take precautions and avoid touching the surfaces. For germaphobes, using the bathroom before you leave the house is the best option.




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