Risk of infection?
June 30, 2011 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
I have a somewhat unusual question that concerns me: I was at the doctor's office this morning. There was probably only one patient before me. The used paper of the previous patient was still on the examination chair (there were marks on the paper, as if someone had already sat on it). Unfortunately, I sat on it anyway instead of alerting the doctor and asking for new paper. Now I am very worried that I may have possibly contracted something. What infections are possible and what should be done if necessary?
Thank you!
Hello dear questioner.
First some follow-up questions: what kind of doctor was it? = Specialist or gynecologist, general practitioner? Were you sitting on the paper with clothing, underwear, or completely naked? Could the imprints on the paper also come from the doctor's assistant's hand?
I assume it was a gynecologist and you were sitting on the paper of the gynecological examination chair without clothing. If the paper was dry, which you would feel, you do not have to fear any risk of infection. It is only skin contact, similar to when two people use the same towel, or have skin contact in the sauna. Bear in mind that outpatient patients are usually not seriously ill or infectious individuals, but are typically undergoing preventive measures or examinations for vaginal complaints.
What could you catch from sitting on a chair where someone had previously sat? You do not need to worry. In a swimming pool, you come into contact with much more skin flakes, hair, and secretions from other swimmers than in this situation. Intact skin is not a gateway for typical venereal infections (sexually transmitted diseases). The exchange would have to be more intense for transmission to occur.
You don't need to do anything now. In my opinion, there is no risk of infection since you did not come into contact with the secretions of the previous person. I hope I could reassure you a bit. With best regards, Dr. R. Berg.
