Among the answers, hand hygiene and the use of masks
In this week’s Ask the Expert we talk about contamination in public toilets. If you also have questions about health, psychology, wellness, exercise or nutrition, please write to ana.lourenco@estadao.com or send a DM to our Instagram.
Raquel Stucchi, an infectious disease specialist answers
If it’s just a question of urinating, the ideal is to lift the two toilet lids and remain in a semi-crouched position. To evacuate, you really need toilet paper to cover the seat and then sit down.
The possibility of people getting infected with some kind of sexual infection by sitting on the toilet seat practically doesn’t exist, but one of the biggest concerns today is in relation to the Monkeypox. That is, if a person who has a leg injury has sat before and I make this skin-to-skin contact, there may be concern.
A urinary tract infection can develop when a person does not empty their entire bladder. But this happens much more because we hold back the urge, we put off going to the bathroom, than not being able to relax because we pee standing up. We can usually do it in any position, just make a little pelvic effort. The exception is for people with health problems.
A good solution for women is equipment that helps direct pee. With covid-19, another big problem is that toilets are meeting and chatting places, being in most cases closed and without ventilation. So it’s important to wear a mask.
Always remember that proper hand hygiene is essential. I still recommend to pass the gel alcohol afterward. Whether it’s for people who have used the toilet or someone helping a child or an elderly person with difficulty walking, for example.
*Question inspired by the doubt of the reader Márcia Gonzalez, from São Paulo
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
