this post was submitted on 22 Dec 2024
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Well, urine isn't going to be much of a problem at least. The kind of things you can catch from urine tend to not survive very long once the urine isn't being kept nicely in the body. Urine is not sterile, but it also isn't good at transmitting pathogens either.
The feces though, that can be problem. There are a shit ton of pathogens you can catch from feces. However, it's also relatively easy to protect yourself since the most common ones aren't going to bother you just by being on your skin. They can be a problem in cuts, but on healthy skin, nothing.
The key is to not let it sit there, and never, ever touch your face, or genitals, with whatever the feces is on.
Good hand washing solves the problem for that kind of contact. And it's easy to wash the rest of your arms if that's where the poop is.
You don't really need any kind of antimicrobial at all, if you have access to clean water and soap. That really does take care of the issue.
For your feet, the main worry is that it not get on your feet and stay there. You can run into parasites that way. But shoes will handle small puddles or just smears on a sidewalk. Just don't wear them into your home. Either take them off and carry them in for cleaning, or leave them outside of your living space.
Ideally, if you're going to be walking through spilled sewage often, get overshoes that are able to completely prevent contact with your actual shoes shoes, and treat them like that.
Wash any clothing that gets contaminated as soon as possible. Again, if it's going to be frequent, consider some kind of over pants, and/or switch to synthetic fabrics that are easier to clean.
Seriously, as nasty as poop is, and as much of a health risk as it can be, it isn't anything you have to go crazy about. It washes off easily, and protective gear to keep your clothing clean is typically inexpensive.
If your bike needs cleaning, just pay attention so that you don't splash much. It would be better to get in there and scrub with your hands than have splashes get in your eye or mouth.
I spent twenty years wiping people's asses for them, giving them baths. Never once got sick because of poop. You just pay attention to what you're doing, and don't let dirty areas on you come in contact with places that any pathogens can get inside your body.
Sanitizing gels and such do work, though not as well as a good scrubbing. Reserve that for when there will be a delay between your contact with any feces, and being able to properly wash.
But keeping sane? That's a harder subject. Best I can tell you is that if you stay focused on doing what it takes to be able to get away from an area like that, it's enough to maybe hold onto and get through.