This article has been contributed by Diana Smith.
We all do our best to keep our bathrooms clean. Still, due to the fact that some of their parts are hard to reach or constantly exposed to contamination, we can hardly say that any of them is 100% clean at any given moment. Because of these circumstances, bathroom is a room which is the most exposed to various bacteria, and unlike their cleanser ad counterparts, they can, actually, be very harmful, and intimidating. Let us see then, what those harmful germs are and how we can fight them.
The Most Common Bathroom Threats
We all do our best to keep our bathrooms clean. Still, due to the fact that some of their parts are hard to reach or constantly exposed to contamination, we can hardly say that any of them is 100% clean at any given moment. Because of these circumstances, bathroom is a room which is the most exposed to various bacteria, and unlike their cleanser ad counterparts, they can, actually, be very harmful, and intimidating. Let us see then, what those harmful germs are and how we can fight them.
The Most Common Bathroom Threats
Enteric pathogens
Although they are usually associated with food, organisms like salmonella, E. coli, shigella, and campylobacter can be found in our bathrooms, too. One of the most common ways of getting a poisoning is by not closing the toilet lid while you are flushing, and not washing your hands after using the toilet. Their symptoms include vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches, while most cases of poisoning tend to recede within a week.
Although they are usually associated with food, organisms like salmonella, E. coli, shigella, and campylobacter can be found in our bathrooms, too. One of the most common ways of getting a poisoning is by not closing the toilet lid while you are flushing, and not washing your hands after using the toilet. Their symptoms include vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches, while most cases of poisoning tend to recede within a week.
Streptococcus
A very common bacterium causing the streptococcus disease, which, in some cases, can escalate to some more serious health issues like rheumatic fever, or even a kidney disease. The most common condition occurring from this kind of infection is, however, the “strep throat.” And like in the previous example, the majority of them are caused by poor hygiene and bad bathroom habits (e.g. the same soap being used by several persons).
A very common bacterium causing the streptococcus disease, which, in some cases, can escalate to some more serious health issues like rheumatic fever, or even a kidney disease. The most common condition occurring from this kind of infection is, however, the “strep throat.” And like in the previous example, the majority of them are caused by poor hygiene and bad bathroom habits (e.g. the same soap being used by several persons).
Gastrointestinal viruses
This particular group of viruses (with norovirus being one of the most common examples), can cause stomach ailments. They are transmitted by touching the soilid surfaces, where they can remain up to one week.
This particular group of viruses (with norovirus being one of the most common examples), can cause stomach ailments. They are transmitted by touching the soilid surfaces, where they can remain up to one week.
Various fungi
Usually associated with spaces featuring high levels of humidity, mold and mildew are present in almost every bathroom. Although they do not cause any kind of infection, they can, in some cases, exacerbate asthma and allergies. Also, bathrooms sometimes host dermatophitic fungi, like athlete’s foot, which can be spread by walking barefoot.
Usually associated with spaces featuring high levels of humidity, mold and mildew are present in almost every bathroom. Although they do not cause any kind of infection, they can, in some cases, exacerbate asthma and allergies. Also, bathrooms sometimes host dermatophitic fungi, like athlete’s foot, which can be spread by walking barefoot.
Macrobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
This obligate pathogenic bacterium is the causative agent of Johne’s disease (cattle disease), but it is also one of the probable causes of one of the human diseases – Chron’s diseases. Namely, scientists believe that this bacterium lurks in one out of ten showers.
This obligate pathogenic bacterium is the causative agent of Johne’s disease (cattle disease), but it is also one of the probable causes of one of the human diseases – Chron’s diseases. Namely, scientists believe that this bacterium lurks in one out of ten showers.
Disease Prevention
With all the things mentioned, it should be obvious that the treat is not only real, but also persistent and widespread. Therefore, the prevention measures should be the same. But, what exactly can we do to keep those harmful germs at bay?
Regular cleaning
Bathroom floor, other solid surfaces, and blocked drains should be cleansed at least once per week, while deep cleaning should be conducted once per month. Also, it should not be a bad idea to quickly clean the bathroom after you have been visited by friends and relatives. They could have been exposed to dangerous bacteria somewhere else.
With all the things mentioned, it should be obvious that the treat is not only real, but also persistent and widespread. Therefore, the prevention measures should be the same. But, what exactly can we do to keep those harmful germs at bay?
Regular cleaning
Bathroom floor, other solid surfaces, and blocked drains should be cleansed at least once per week, while deep cleaning should be conducted once per month. Also, it should not be a bad idea to quickly clean the bathroom after you have been visited by friends and relatives. They could have been exposed to dangerous bacteria somewhere else.
Pay special attention to toilet
In the end, that is the place where all the excretions go. Clean it at least once per week, and let the cleanser sit on the toilet bowl for at least 10 minutes before washing it with soapy water.
There are many natural toilet and shower cleaners available. Tea tree, pine oil or eucalyptus oil are also powerful antiseptics.
In the end, that is the place where all the excretions go. Clean it at least once per week, and let the cleanser sit on the toilet bowl for at least 10 minutes before washing it with soapy water.
There are many natural toilet and shower cleaners available. Tea tree, pine oil or eucalyptus oil are also powerful antiseptics.
Let the water flow a bit before you start using the shower
It may sound horribly wasteful, but this small measure will minimize the risk of being infected with bacteria causing the Chron’s disease.
Do not walk barefoot
All of your house members should have their own pair of bathroom slippers, and you should prepare few pairs for guests, too.
Do not use the soap
It would be much wiser to use the liquid soap instead.
As we can see, bathrooms can be much more dangerous than it looks on the first glance. Those dangers oblige us to take all the necessary measures to make our lives safer. It is much better to be safe than sorry.
It may sound horribly wasteful, but this small measure will minimize the risk of being infected with bacteria causing the Chron’s disease.
Do not walk barefoot
All of your house members should have their own pair of bathroom slippers, and you should prepare few pairs for guests, too.
Do not use the soap
It would be much wiser to use the liquid soap instead.
As we can see, bathrooms can be much more dangerous than it looks on the first glance. Those dangers oblige us to take all the necessary measures to make our lives safer. It is much better to be safe than sorry.
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