My friends a right freak and refuses to use public toilets for fear of catching STDs. I’ve spent the last 4 years telling her how silly she is, but she’d rather keep her legs crossed for hours on end than risk sitting on a public toilet.
I recently started working at a hostel where I know for a fact that almost every resident has a STD (as they’re all sleeping with one another and walk around scratching their crotch area). We’ve tried booking them in at the local clinic but none of them bother keeping their appointments But that doesn’t really bother me. What does bother me is the great difficulty I have in keeping my legs crossed during my 12 hours shifts. The other staff carry bottles of disinfectant around with them, and spray the loo seat before using it, but I’m not convinced that this actually works. Now my question is, a) can you catch STDs by sharing public toilets and b) would a quick spray of disinfectant really kill all the little bugs?
Your medical knowledge would be greatly appreciated
Most STD's are transferable through bodily fluids such as blood and semen. There are some STD's that are transferable through close contact which is why its absolutely pertinent to get a vaccination before hand.
Here in Canada, to avoid STD's due to promiscuity, children are getting vaccinations in grade 7.
Make sure you get innoculated for such diseases.
The second part of your question. I am not sure so don't quote me on it but a disinfectant will only go so far as to wipe the toilet/household germs clean and not the STD's.
Oh by the way I'm sure you know of the most common ones being Hepatitis A B or C, syphillis, gonorea (sp?). Get yourself a physical if possible with all the blood tests each year to stay clean : )
Coco, now that is a surprise. I seriously thought my colleagues were being overly precautious and the whole thing about catching STDs through public toilets was just a myth. To think of the risks I’ve exposed myself to over the years :shudders: Nah, in all honesty I’m still a little wary about what you’ve said. The term ** ‘sexually ** transmitted disease’ clearly states that they’re spread through sex, does it not? I’m sure (but not certain) that these STDs can only be caught through sexual intercourse. Surely there would be public health campaigns if there were any truth in what’s being said …
I had my hepatitis jab as soon as I decided on this career, but the doc never recommended any other jabs. Come to think of it, I’ve never even heard of vaccinating against STDs. You sure you’re not just making it all up to make me look like a fool infront of my doc?
Maddy, they use Bathroom Fresh Flash (the citrus smelling one). It’s your average household disinfectant so I don’t think it’s all that strong.
Lets separate STD’s from other skin infections. Sobi is right. STD’s are from ‘S’. There might be other skin infections one can get thru public toilets. Anti-bacterials and other sprays can stop that.
Sobi, don’t you have those paper covers for toilet seats over there, like we have in all public toilets?
Fajlu, ur joking aintcha? The country is way busy saving the world from evil Saddam and spending all its petty cash on bombs for Iraq. Where do you expect them to get the money for paper seat covers from? Honestly, you Americans are so spoilt.
P.S/ What other skin infections can i get from using public toilets?
Faisal: Hep B, A and C are STD's are they not? Most of us got vaccinations here for the prevention of the very disease/virus.
Sobi: As much as most of them are categorized as STD's some when in close contact around the clock you can be infected unless you've taken the vaccination which by the way thank goodness you have. I asked my doc about it so i'm pretty sure about that STD in particular.
I mentioned that some STD's are transferable in different ways such as needles or cuts or kissing (only if there are cuts within the mouth). Some can just be through close contact and the one i'm most familiar with is Hepatitis. I never mentioned that STD's can be transfered through saliva or being around the washroom.
Other STD's don't have vaccinations to my knowledge where as Hepatitis does.
There is a research institute in Chicago which solely researches anal and rectal maladies. According to one of their report, the Muslim way of sitting prevents piles, hemorrhoids, hernia and rectal cancer. Diseases which are few in numbers in most Muslim countries. And anyway, I can’t imagine someone sitting like on a chair and doing their business. It’s filthy. :yuck: And how can you do istinja sitting like that on the throne. Yeeesh!
shyt this is quite worring, i have used public bathrooms in restaurants, cinemas ect… I do use layer of paper to cover the bathroom seat but still you never know han, i find public bathrooms so yucky, some ppl donnot even wash hands after using the toilet.
