1. Norovirus
Norovirus is a virus that people often call food poisoning or the stomach flu. It spreads fast and can make you feel sick very quickly. You may start to feel symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain in as little as 12 hours after you’re exposed.
These symptoms can come on suddenly and feel very strong. It can also spread easily from one person to another, especially in busy places. That is why keeping surfaces clean and hands washed is so important.
Norovirus won’t go away with antibiotics, but it usually clears up in two days. It can dry out your body fast, so drink plenty of water and sports drinks to stay hydrated so you can get your energy back.
2. Salmonella
Salmonella is commonly contracted through undercooked meat, poultry, or eggs. Many foods become contaminated when they are prepared by people who don’t thoroughly wash their hands after using the bathroom.
Contracting the virus can also occur through cross-contamination. If someone touches a contaminated surface and puts their fingers in their mouth, they could get Salmonella.
Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, and headache can occur as quickly as 8 hours after getting the virus. Symptoms can last anywhere between 4 to 7 days. Fortunately, Salmonella can be treated with antibiotics but is only prescribed in severe cases. Staying hydrated is key.
3. Shigellosis
This virus can linger in public restrooms two days after it first arrives. This virus is spread through feces contamination. This virus is often found in daycare or childcare facilities where staff are changing diapers or potty training toddlers.
Symptoms are severe as they include bloody diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Even if symptoms are not present, an infected person can still be contagious.
Shigellosis tends to last 5 to 7 days but can be shortened with the use of antibiotics. Staying hydrated is important with this virus. It may be necessary to get an IV to restore fluids.
4. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection that is highly contagious. Most people will get vaccinated in order to avoid getting this virus as it can cause damage to the liver. This virus is usually spread by a person ingesting tiny amounts of fecal matter.
Symptoms don’t typically show until the person has had the virus for a few weeks, but some signs include fatigue, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain on the right side below the lower ribs, dark urine, and yellow skin and eyes. There’s no specific treatment for Hepatitis A, so the best thing to do is rest.
5. Influenza
Influenza, most commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. This virus spreads through the air in droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or even talks. A person can contract the virus by either inhaling the droplets directly or touching a surface or object that the droplets have landed on.
Flu symptoms start as a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, and escalate fast into a high fever, aching muscles, chills, sweats, headaches, and deep fatigue. Rest is the most effective way to recover.
How to Make Sure Your Public Restrooms Aren’t Contaminated
There are precautions people can take to ensure that they don’t get these viruses such as frequent hand washing and using a paper towel to open the door. However, these precautions don’t eliminate the viruses from being in the restroom and, let’s be real, some people don’t even bother to wash their hands. So, how do you ensure that your restrooms aren’t contaminating your customers and staff?
Keep Your Restrooms Clean With Enviro-Master
To keep your restrooms safe and clean, and norovirus and Salmonella at bay, there are things you can do. You do not have to just hope for the best when it comes to your restrooms.
That is where a professional hygiene service makes a real difference. Enviro-Master delivers the gold standard of clean for restroom hygiene. We go deeper than surface-level cleaning and target the areas others miss. We don’t just do a deep commercial clean. We do deep clean right.
A well-kept restroom shows your customers and staff that you run a professional operation and care about every detail. When your restrooms look, smell, and feel clean, it lifts your entire brand.
Enviro-Master does not just clean your restrooms; we take full control of them. Our trained technicians follow proven systems, use professional-grade products, and deliver consistent results every visit. No shortcuts. No missed details. Just a higher standard of clean you can see and trust.
If you want to provide a safe and healthy environment for your customers and staff, contact Enviro-Master today to experience the gold standard of clean for yourself.
