A viral social media rumor claims you can catch chlamydia from gym equipment, causing widespread concern among gym-goers. The rumor originated from a TikTok user who believed he contracted the STI after wiping his eye with a towel he’d placed on a gym bench. He initially thought he had conjunctivitis (pink eye), but tests revealed it was chlamydia. His doctor reportedly suggested he might have contracted it from someone else’s sweat on the equipment. This sparked further videos and discussions online, with some even blaming women for going commando at the gym.
However, a leading doctor, Dr. Zac Turner, has debunked these claims. He explains that chlamydia, unlike viruses like the flu, cannot survive for long outside the human body. The bacteria responsible for chlamydia needs direct contact with mucous membranes, typically through sexual activity, to be transmitted. Therefore, simply touching gym equipment poses virtually no risk of infection. Dr. Turner emphasizes that chlamydia requires a warm, moist environment like the human body to survive, and it quickly dies when exposed to air or cleaning wipes. He also clarifies that the chlamydia affecting koalas is a different strain and unrelated to human transmission in gyms.
While the risk of contracting chlamydia from gym equipment is extremely low, Dr. Turner warns of other potential health risks associated with poor gym hygiene. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (staph) can survive on surfaces and cause skin infections. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm also thrive in warm, sweaty environments. Additionally, viruses like colds, flu, and norovirus can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces.
Dr. Turner advises gym-goers to practice good hygiene to minimize these risks. This includes wiping down equipment before and after use, covering any cuts or abrasions, wearing shoes, washing gym towels regularly, and avoiding direct contact with shared mats. He also recommends bringing your own water bottle, avoiding touching your face, and sanitizing your hands frequently. In conclusion, while hygiene is important at the gym, the fear of catching chlamydia from equipment is unfounded. The focus should be on practicing safe sex and addressing real risks like skin infections.
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