“Bathroom Diseases” spread due to lack of proper cleaning and maintenance. Therefore the cleaner you keep your bathrooms, the better for your health!
Here are 7 major infections that might be hiding in your bathroom:
1. Escherichia Coli (E. coli)
Being one of the most common bathroom diseases, E. coli is usually caught through toilet seats. E. coli is basically an intestinal infection which is mostly found in the lower intestine. Symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and dehydration are common with people infected by this bathroom disease.
2. Norovirus
A more resistant version of E. coli, the norovirus is much more contagious and harmful. Thus, you need to take special care that it doesn’t take hold of your bathrooms! It is mostly found in toilet seats. Norovirus infection is usually accompanied with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea and abdominal pain.
3. Gardnerella
Gardnerella is one of the most common bacterial vaginal infections. It afflicts women of child bearing age and it develops in a messy bathroom. It can cause symptoms like vaginal discharge with less itching.
4. Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is another type of virus that can be caught in the bathrooms. It is mostly caught through toilet seats. It attacks the respiratory system i.e. lungs, nose, and throat. Common symptoms of the influenza virus are cold, sore throat and fever.
5. Shigella
The shigella bacteria is contracted when a person comes in contact with an infected surface, in this case the toilet seats. Another source is contaminated water. It can infect the digestive tract and cause symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain and vomiting.
6. Streptococcus
Streptococci bacteria is one of those bathroom diseases that causes throat infections. People contract this disease through dirty toilet seats. It can cause symptoms like fatigue, sore/swollen throat, fever and rashes on skin.
7. Staphylococcus
The staph bacteria can cause skin infections and boils. Contact with contaminated surfaces of the bathroom can cause this disease. If left untreated for a long time, this bacteria can cause severe diseases, such as pneumonia.
In order to avoid these germs and viruses, it is necessary to clean your bathrooms everyday with the help of brushes and disinfectants. You should also avoid public restrooms and make sure the water doesn’t splash on your skin through the toilet seat.
Sharing towels, toothbrushes and undergarments can increase your risk of infections. Women should also use vaginal lotions to remain safe from these germs.
On the bright side, none of these bathroom diseases/infections are incurable. So, be sure to visit a doctor immediately if you develop any of the symptoms mentioned above!
Image source: Bathroom City
Sources:
www.womenshealthmag.com
www.cdc.gov
www.nhs.uk