19 January 2012
The most senior nurse at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals is advising local people to put the lid down when flushing the toilet to avoid the spread of disease.
Pippa Hart is the Trust's Director of Nursing and leads the hospitals' work on preventing and controlling the spread of infections. She said: "Closing the lavatory lid before you flush could help you avoid unwanted germs, including the 'winter vomiting bug' Norovirus.
"You might not realise it, but leaving the lid up can allow a cloud of bacteria to explode into the air, settling on nearby surfaces, including towels, flannels and, more worryingly, toothbrushes."
Recent research on Clostridium difficile by microbiologists at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has shown that bacteria can be transported up to 10 inches above a toilet seat when it is left open, and can still be detected in the air up to an hour and a half later.
Pippa added: "Keeping the lid up when you flush is not in itself a massive health hazard, but the simple act of closing it before flushing can make your bathroom a cleaner, healthier environment. And, with the number of germs flying around during winter, you may as well close the toilet lid - after all, it's there for a reason.
"My advice would always be to shut the lid and wash your hands with soap and water. It's easy, and it's an extra step to protect yourself, and the people you live with, from falling ill this winter."
