Just spreading a tissue paper on the toilet seat might not always be the best solution to protect you from the germs circulating in the public loo.

Here are a few safety tips by Dr Sanjeev Khosla , General Physician

Don't Place Yourself Comfortably

If you are travelling and you are compelled to use the transit loos on the junctions make sure you don't sit on the toilet seat.

On other occasions while using the office loo or a hotel loo just make sure that you wipe the hip area that touches the seat.

The Dirty Dispenser

In your office premises, a five star restaurant or any other place where you are assured about the levels of hygiene using the dispenser bottle is advisable.

While travelling or using the loo in trains and airplanes hold the dispenser with a tissue paper.

Infected Door Knob

The door knob of the loo is the starting point of all infection. If it's a push door then push the door open with your hips and if it's a pull door then use a hanky or a tissue to open the door.

Can You Use Soap

Avoid wet bar soap because stagnant water can breeds bacteria. If you need to use the soap rinse it under water first before you use it.

Infections on the Loose

Besides contracting a urine infection you are likely to pick up cold, flu, and intestinal viruses contaminated surfaces. So touching nothing around will be a  good option.

If you need to use the tap or anything else, tissue paper is a must.

Beware of the dangerous tiny flies that carry germs and infections from human excreta, stale urine and the germs under the toilet seat.

Don't Hold it Back

If you need to urinate, do it at the earliest. Sometimes due the fear of infection you hold the urine back during travelling.

If you retain urine for a long time it can breed bacteria which will ultimately lead to urine infection.

Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers are very useful in maintaining hygiene and they can be used post using a public loo.

Carry them with you while travelling or on the days when you are likely to be out for a long time.Do not use towels in Public loos, they are likely to impart skin diseases.

        Cleaning Process

• Wash your hands and genitals with warm soapy water. Scrub your hand for at least 20 minutes otherwise you won't get rid of the germs.
• After using a Public loo whenever you get home, clean your vaginal area forward to backwards i.e. from the clitoris to the anus. This process is highly affective in clearing out germs and preventing infection.