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Hover or cover? Here’s why it’s pointless to use toilet seat covers

Posted at 3:42 PM, Jun 19, 2014
and last updated 2014-06-19 17:48:51-04

The debate has been going on for years, should you hover or cover?

Well scientists may have finally put an end to the duty debacle.

Turns out those flimsy paper liners you put down before ascending  the porcelain throne are only providing a false sense of security, not protecting your hide.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. William Schaffner, M.D. told the Huffington Post, “That’s because toilet seats are not a vehicle for the transmission of any infectious agents; you won’t catch anything.”

Dr. Schaffner said toilets were originally thought to be a way of transmitting gastrointestinal and sexually transmitted illnesses.

But health experts found the fecal facts and flushed that myth.

Dr. Schaffner said the only reason the potty protectors even exist is because of the toilet’s inherent “eww” factor.

Now, the doctor said disease-causing bacteria, like E. coli or strep, does live on toilet seats.

But Dr. Philip Tierno, M.D., pointed out to Everyday Health, our skin shields us from sickness.

One thing that can help prevent the spread of germs is some good old soap and water.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, washing your hands can lower diarrheal disease-related deaths as much as 50 percent.

MORE: Read the full story from the Huffington Post here