What pathogens exist in public toilets?

Human feces carry many types of infectious pathogens, viruses, bacteria such as cholera, E.coli, hepatitis A, rotavirus, typhoid… They can stick to toilets, floors, walls, sinks and other objects. surfaces in public restrooms, thereby spreading disease to users.

In particular, the hepatitis A virus can live for months in a polluted environment, spreading through the digestive tract or through direct contact with urine and feces of patients. People with hepatitis A often experience fatigue, digestive disorders, mild fever, and in rare cases lead to acute liver failure and fulminant hepatitis leading to death.

Similarly, rotavirus that causes diarrhea can live for several days on solid surfaces and up to 21 days in feces, and is still capable of causing disease after living in feces for a week. Rotavirus causes acute diarrhea leading to dehydration and acute gastroenteritis. If not rehydrated promptly, it can lead to exhaustion and death, especially in children and malnourished people.

Cholera and typhoid germs also exist in public restrooms that are not cleaned regularly. The reason is that the bacteria Salmonella typhi that causes typhoid can survive for 2-3 weeks in water and 2-3 months in feces, while the cholera bacteria Vibrio cholerae can survive for several days in water.

People with typhoid will have prolonged high fever, headache, constipation or diarrhea and dry cough. In more severe cases, they may have mental disorders and death. Cholera can lead to complications such as dehydration shock, cardiovascular collapse, kidney failure, and death when not treated promptly.

Currently, vaccines for hepatitis A, rotavirus diarrhea, cholera and typhoid are available. Among them, hepatitis A and hepatitis AB vaccines can be given to children from 1 year old and adults who do not have immunity. Oral or injectable cholera and typhoid vaccine, used for children from 2 years old and adults. Oral rotavirus vaccine is for use in children from 6 weeks to 8 months of age.

In addition, flu and HPV viruses from genital warts can also stick to toilets, door handles and objects, potentially infecting users. HPV vaccine will help prevent common virus strains that cause disease with Gardasil 9 injected into people aged 9-45 years old. Influenza vaccine is indicated for people from 6 months and adults, with a booster shot every year.

To ensure safety when using public restrooms, you need to carefully wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom, avoiding direct contact with surfaces such as toilets and handles. door with bare hands.