Toilets are a hotspot for potentially harmful microorganisms; they can be found anywhere on the floor, taps, toilet seat, door, handles, wash basin, etc. A dirty and unhygienic toilet is a source of many infectious diseases such as typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and other diarrheal diseases, including parasite infestations. Hence, toilet hygiene is essential for good health.

Toilet hygiene entails keeping the toilet areas clean along with good hygiene habits such as handwashing. Here are some useful tips to maintain toilet hygiene to reduce the risk of infection transmission:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after using the toilet.
• Avoid touching different surfaces such as taps, door handles, toilet seats etc. with your hands. Use disposable tissue or toilet paper.
• Clean high-touch areas such as toilet flush handle, door handle, taps, light switches, toilet seats etc. with disinfectant.
• Pick up any trash and put it in the dustbin.
• Ensure that the toilet is well-ventilated.
• Regularly clean the toilets with good quality cleaning products with strong disinfectants to effectively kill the micro-organisms and remove stains.
• Do not put your bags or phones on the toilet floors, especially in public restrooms.

Visit the Fena stall at the 26^th Perfect Health Mela to know more about maintaining toilet hygiene.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA