7 TYPES OF TOILET INFECTIONS: ITS SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION

As the name implies, toilet diseases (infections) are diseases that are contracted through the toilet. This doesn’t mean that you can catch a disease by using just any toilet, no; only messy and dirty-looking toilets are likely to attract disease-causing bacteria and viruses. It is also important to not confuse toilet diseases with STI. STIs are transmitted through sexual intercourse, while toilet infections come through the use of dirty toilet(s).

The bacteria and viruses that cause toilet diseases cannot survive outside the human body, so there is no way they can be the same. A lot of people seem to confuse the two, but they’re very different. You can check out our posts on STIs for more details.

So now that we have a brief understanding of what toilet diseases are, let us proceed to types. There are numerous types of diseases which can be contracted through a dirty (germ- infested) toilet, but these are the common ones…

 

1. ESCHERICHIA COLI (ECOLI)

Ecoli is about the most common toilet disease around today; hence, it’s coming ahead of the others. It is an intestinal infection (meaning that it is found in the intestine), and it is mostly contracted via the toilet seat. An infected person is likely to experience nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort (pain).

2. STAPHYLOCOCCUS

Like the Ecoli, staph is also contracted through contaminated surfaces like the toilet seat. It can stay alive for as much as 2 months. Infected persons are likely to experience boils and cellulitis (infected sores). Although, staph isn’t life threatening initially, it can lead to a more serious illness like pneumonia if left untreated for long.

3. NOROVIRUS

The norovirus is almost like the Ecoli, except, it takes more than a wash to get rid of it. So don’t even give it an opportunity to build in your toilet. It is also found mostly around the toilet seat. Symptoms are sudden nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

4. STREPTOCOCCUS

Once in a human, this bacterium is found in the throat, arranged in chains. It is also contracted mostly through the toilet seat and has the following symptoms; rashes on the skin, sore throat, swollen throat, fever, fatigue, stomach ache, etc.

5. GARDNERELLA

Also known as bacterial vaginasis, this infection is found in women. Its major symptoms include vaginal discharge (with less itching).

6. SHIGELLA BACTERIA

This kind of toilet disease is contracted when contact is made between an infected surface (door knobs, handles, toilet seats, etc) and a person. One can also be infected if they use contaminated water. Symptoms are diarrhoea, dysentery, abdominal pain, etc.

7. INFLUENZA (FLU)

This infection is caused by a virus, influenza. It is a disease that attacks the throat and lungs, mostly, and is contracted through contaminated toilet surfaces. Symptoms are cold, fever, sore throat, etc.

PREVENTION

1. Toilet diseases can be prevented by total cleanliness and carefulness.

2. Make sure you keep your toilet and everywhere around it clean always.

3. Wash your toilet thoroughly with a brush and detergent or other cleaning agents as regularly as possible (everyday).

4. Wash your hands with soap, thoroughly after you visit the toilet; as germs can be transferred from it to other areas of the house or your mouth even.

5. Always flush the toilet before sitting on it to avoid splashing contaminated liquid on yourself.

6. For women, make sure you change your underwear regularly.

7. Vaginal lotions also help protect women from harmful toilet infections.

8. Clean up your vagina with tissue paper after urinating.

9. If you cannot avoid public toilets, drop some tissue paper in the toilet to prevent water from splashing on you when you use them.

10. Avoid sharing underwear and towels.

 

All these infections are curable, so do not hesitate to visit your doctor for proper check up and treatment if you have any of the above symptoms, but remember, prevention is always the better alternative.

Drama