Most of us make it a point to cover our mouths when we cough, wash our hands frequently, and wipe down our desks and other germy surfaces. But there's another strategy for your flu-fighting arsenal you may not know about: keeping a lid on your toilet.



Every time you flush with an open lid, bacteria spray into the air around your toilet. And some of these germs could pass along symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting. (Yuck.)



Scientists at Leeds University tested the air above toilets and found that the germ, C. difficile, which causes violent bacteria and vomiting, can be spewed up to 10 inches above toilet seats with every open flush. These germs were found on the sides of the toilet, on the top, and on the floor—even when the toilet wasn’t in use. In other words, even an unoccupied, open bowl can spread bacteria.



Although the highest levels of bacteria were found right after a flush, even 90 minutes later, between 15-47 contaminated water droplets were detected on nearby surfaces—which means you may want to think twice about where you’re leaving your toothbrush.



The best way to prevent the spread of these bacteria? Keep the lid closed! The study found that this reduced the spread of bacteria by 10 times. If someone if your family has come down with the winter bug, clean off all areas of the toilet regularly. And if you’re out in public among lidless toilets, make sure to wash your hands.

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