What is a potential risk of not practicing proper hand hygiene after using the lavatory?

Practicing proper hand hygiene after using the lavatory is crucial to preventing the spread of gastrointestinal infections. When individuals do not wash their hands after using the toilet, they can carry pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, that are commonly found in fecal matter. These pathogens can easily be transferred to food, surfaces, and other individuals, leading to gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus and Salmonella.

Gastrointestinal infections often manifest with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which not only affect the individual but can also create broader public health concerns if outbreaks occur in communal settings. Therefore, proper hand hygiene serves as a vital defense mechanism against these infections, highlighting its importance in infection control practices within healthcare and community environments.

Although other options mention the risks of respiratory infections, asthma, and skin infections, the immediate and most applicable concern following the use of a lavatory specifically points to the increased risk of gastrointestinal infections due to the microbial contamination that can occur without proper handwashing.