What Diseases Can You Contract From a Toilet Seat?

While toilet seats are often considered unsanitary, diseases are not often contracted from sitting on them. Some diseases, sexually transmitted and otherwise, can be spread by toilet seats, but occurrences are rare.

Strep

• It is not frequent, but streptococcus can be spread by toilet seats if the person sitting down becomes a carrier for specific organisms. Streptococci are carried on skin frequently, but they don't often lead to illness.

Staph

• Much like streptococcus, staphylococcus is often carried on the skin and can be spread through toilet seats in rare circumstances. Staphylococcus can result in painful bumps and should be treated immediately.

Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B bacteria can live for a week, and if a person with a skin opening sits down on a toilet seat, it is possible, although unlikely, to contract the disease. Hepatitis B attacks the liver and can be life threatening.

Herpes

• Herpes can spread by skin-to-skin contact, but the virus, which can live for a few hours, can also spread via toilet seat if exposed to broken skin.

Gonorrhea

• While not likely, if a male’s genitals make contact with a toilet seat, it is possible for gonorrhea to spread from the individual to the toilet seat and be spread. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause painful urination.