Can You Get the Coronavirus from Touching Clean Toilet Water and Forgetting to Wash Your Hands?

This is an interesting question and quite unusual. Let's dive into the science behind it and understand the risks and precautions needed.

Understanding the Virus Transmission Through Toilet Water

As of August 2020, there has been no evidence of the virus spreading through urine or feces. The likelihood of the virus surviving in toilet water, therefore, is extremely slim. While tap water in most households is safe and has not been shown to contain the virus, the real risk lies in the container and contact with contaminated surfaces.

Transmission Through Containers and Surfaces

The primary risk scenario involves someone who is infected with the virus contaminating a surface, such as a drinking glass, with their unwashed hands. If another person then touches that glass and brings their hands to their face without washing, they could be at risk of infection. This extends to other surfaces like toilet bowls.

From a microscopic perspective, your toilet bowl can be considered a large drinking glass. If an infected person touches the bowl with unwashed hands, and you hug the bowl for a refreshing drink shortly after, there is a remote possibility of infection. However, the risk is significantly lower if you wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the bathroom.

Why Touching Clean Toilet Water Is Not Recommended

It's essential to understand why touching “clean toilet water” is not recommended, even if it might seem harmless. Even if the bowl has been flushed, there could still be bacteria or viruses present. The safest practice is always to wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the bathroom.

Theoretical Considerations

It's worth noting that there have been some indications that the SARS-CoV-2 virus might be communicable through feces, but this remains a theoretical scenario. As an engineer, my advice is based on the available information at the time.

Transmission Through Touching Contaminated Surfaces

Technically, it is possible to get the virus from touching contaminated toilet surfaces, but the risk is much lower compared to other common causes. For instance, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face without washing your hands can lead to infection. Washing your hands with soap and water effectively removes germs, including those from the coronavirus.

While it is true that touching toilet water could theoretically lead to infection, other pathogens like Dysentery are far more common and deadly. According to data, the risk of dying from Dysentery is higher than dying from the coronavirus. One reason for this is that we have effective treatments for Dysentery but are still developing a vaccine for the coronavirus, which is expected to take at least 18 months given current efforts.

Sanitization of Bathroom Surfaces

If someone in your home has tested positive for the virus, it's crucial to sanitize bathroom furnishings between uses. This helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination and protects the health of all household members.

In conclusion, while touching clean toilet water and forgetting to wash your hands poses a theoretical risk, the practical and real-world risks are much lower. Proper hand hygiene is the key to protecting yourself from the virus and preventing its spread.