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Can Flushing The Toilet Spread COVID-19?

April 30, 2021

The Medical Journal of Australia recently published a report highlighting several examples of COVID-19 spreading through faecal aerosols – that is, by toilet flushing. An outbreak in an apartment building in China showed that the virus spread to rooms directly above, which fed into the same sewage pipe.

Epidemiologist Professor Catherine Bennet said there was currently no evidence that COVID-19 had spread through toilets in quarantine, but anything that increases the risk of aerosolization needed to be looked at. Hand blow dryers could also increase aerosols in bathrooms. The Department of Health has clarified that Australia’s plumbing is different to many other countries, and the risk of COVID-19 spread is small. But as always, it is important to wash your hands well, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands when in the bathroom.

The CPAP Clinic is a leading Australian provider of Respiratory, Sleep Disorders, Cardiology and PPE services and products. Based in Sydney, it has a network of 40 clinics nationwide.