Doctor urges people to look out for these concerning 'red flags' when using public washrooms
The medical expert warned of some concerning things to bear in mind and look out for when using public restrooms.
Trigger warning: This article contains references to substance abuse which some readers may find distressing.
People often complain about the hygiene and maintenance of public bathrooms not being up to par. Often, this skepticism leads many to completely avoid these restrooms. Adding to the fears, a doctor has come up with a new warning, asking the online community to think twice before using the toilet paper found in public restrooms. London-based medical expert Dr. Sermed Mezher, who goes by @drsermedmezherexplains on TikTok, cautioned people about some signs to look out for to avoid health-related nightmares.
In the widely circulating video, Dr. Mezher explained in detail what to look for before using the toilet paper rolls available at public washrooms. “You’ll get infected from toilet paper,” the expert wrote while sharing how he recently encountered toiletries with red markings on them. “If you go to a public restroom and the toilet paper has marks like this, do not use it,” the healthcare professional warned.
According to Dr. Mezher, the red marks could be signs of contagious viruses that may have been transmitted to the toilet paper from intravenous drug users. The doctor claims that there is a high possibility of getting an infection because the paper might have been used to clean needles that came into direct contact with the bloodstream of an IV user. “These marks are signs that intravenous drug users are trying to clean their needles to be able to reuse them,” he explained.
Dr. Mezher added, “Yes, these could contain HIV or hepatitis viruses, but people have said that the risk of transmission from using one of these is one in three for hepatitis and one in 300 for HIV. However, those figures apply to healthcare workers who have direct contact with blood when it is still wet. The risk of transmission if something has dried up, is significantly lower, but it's still possible.”
The expert added a caveat to his warning when he said that patients dependent on IV drugs would rarely indulge in something like this. Existing needle exchange programs help them exchange syringes for free, Dr. Mezher claimed. “Of course, it’s also incredibly rare that a drug user would want to do this as they would be blunting their needle. The drug rehabilitation programs are important not just to protect others but also ourselves,” he concluded.
Dr. Mezher reasoned in the description of the video that individuals indulge in this malpractice “believing it will reduce the risk of infection.” However, this method is ineffective and toilet paper is not designed for properly sterilizing the needle.
Dr. Mezher’s video on checking toilet paper has 1.2 million views online, inviting a range of reactions. Among them, @sso_miststream wrote, “What I don’t understand is why they don’t tear off the toilet paper and flush it. Why are they so selfish as to endanger everyone else?” “I could have gone my whole life without knowing this,” remarked @zoeilli. @diaryofafirsttimum added, “Omg, I’m buying pocket tissues from now on!” @ginger_kitty93 said, "Note to self: carry my own toilet roll from now on."
@drsermedmezherexplains “You’ll Get Infected from Toilet Paper” #really In public bathrooms, intravenous (IV) drug users may sometimes resort to using makeshift cleaning methods for their needles, such as wiping them with toilet paper or other available materials. This unsafe practice can pose serious health risks for both the users and the general public. How It Happens: Needle Cleaning with Toilet Paper: IV drug users who lack access to sterile equipment may try to clean their used needles with toilet paper in public restrooms, believing it will reduce the risk of infection. However, this method is ineffective in properly sterilizing the needle. Toilet paper is not designed for sanitation and can even carry bacteria or other contaminants. Contaminated Blood Residue: Needles that have been used for injecting drugs often contain blood, which may be infected with bloodborne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. Wiping the needle with toilet paper does not remove or kill these viruses. In fact, the blood and viruses can remain on the needle or transfer to surfaces like sinks, toilet seats, or dispensers. Public Health Hazard: If blood or bodily fluids from an infected person come into contact with bathroom surfaces—such as sinks, door handles, or even discarded toilet paper—there is a risk of spreading infectious diseases. While the viruses that cause HIV or hepatitis don’t survive long on surfaces, there is still a potential for indirect exposure, especially in unsanitary conditions or if someone comes into contact with fresh blood. #toilet #hiv #infection ♬ A somewhat creepy and sad atmosphere music box - MoppySound
You can follow Dr. Sermed Mezher (@drsermedmezherexplains) on TikTok for medical and healthcare content.
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