Health professionals advise that regularly disinfecting toilet seats, especially in public restrooms, can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
They emphasize that this simple act can significantly reduce the risk of contracting illnesses such as gastroenteritis, staphylococcus aureus, diarrhea, hepatitis, typhoid, and worm infestations.
These recommendations were made during the launch of Sitfine Toilet Sanitiser Spray in Lagos by Shodan Pharmaceuticals Limited, with the aim of promoting personal hygiene and protecting individuals, especially women, from urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
The Vice President of the company also mentioned the dangers associated with using unsanitary toilets, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections like staphylococcus aureus and bacterial vaginosis.
It is crucial to take precautions to avoid these infections, as they can have serious health consequences if not properly treated.
Okeoma said, “Sitfine is a game-changer for hygiene-conscious individuals. You no longer need to worry about the cleanliness of public toilets. With just a spray, it neutralises germs and odours instantly.
“It is clinically approved toilet seat sanitiser spray in the form of a quick-drying aerosol that protects against germs on the toilet seat.
“The idea for Sitfine originated from a personal experience shared by the founder of Excid Pharmaceuticals, the product’s manufacturing company. A friend attended a party but couldn’t use the restroom because it was in poor condition. That conversation, combined with my experience as a pharmacist treating women for infections contracted from unsanitary restrooms, led to the creation of the product.”
He stated that infections like staphylococcus and candidiasis, among others, if left untreated were capable of causing damage to vital organs of the body such as the kidneys when they get into the bloodstream.
“While there are drugs to treat these diseases, these drugs can cause some damage to the body, as they are made from chemicals, hence the reason we are preaching about prevention,” the pharmacist added.
Various studies have indicated that public restrooms pose health risks, with the extent of the risk influenced by factors such as cleaning frequency and ventilation.
Additionally, researchers have linked the spread of disease-causing viruses and bacteria to public toilets.
In a recent study published by the Nigerian Journal of Biotechnology, scientists highlighted toilets as potential sources of infectious diseases, with many diarrheal illnesses believed to be linked to these facilities.
The researchers found elevated levels of contamination on door handles, floors, and even toilet seats in public restrooms.
