Does using public restrooms put you at a higher risk for coronavirus? LGBTQ friendly health care providers help improve outcomes for the community. All this and more. I’ll catch you up on all this right now! Hello, I’m Josh Robbins and THIS IS LGBTQ Health Headlines Presented By O&AN.

Do you use public restrooms? I'm just asking, some people like me will not use a public restroom for anything. Luckily for us, this story won’t affect us. But if you use public bathrooms, you need to add this to your list of COVID-19 worries—coronavirus-containing clouds that plume into the air after a toilet is flushed. When a toilet is flushed, researchers say that aerosol droplets forced upward appear to spread wide enough and linger long enough to be inhaled and since COVID-19 has been found in the feces of positive patients, there is a possibility of exposure to the virus simply by flushing a toilet. So, what is the best way according to the authors of the newly released scientific paper saying will stop it? Close the lid. Yes, that’s right, close the lid. Researchers from China say that our paranoia in the bathroom, carefully touching the toilet paper to lay it down or putting down the seat covers to prevent us from touching the hard surface of the seat, actually pales in comparison to the risk of when this toilet plume that’s what they are calling it happens when the water and feces violently circle in the bottom of the toilet — and possibly putting that matter airborne which could affect everyone regardless of another prior condition like HIV or not.  Want more COVID-19 coverage? Visit our special section at outandaboutnashville.com.

And here are your current Health Headlines A new national report just released touts the benefits of providing LGBTQ-friendly primary care practices including improving HIV and STD screening rates within this population. The report, recently published, is the result of a year long analysis of Ten federally qualified health centers. Small care teams were formed at each site, and those teams received coaching, training and facilitation. The results? By the end of the program, estimated HIV screening of LGBT patients at the reporting sites rose from just under 15 percent to nearly 31 percent, with increases in STD screenings as well. More proof that being inclusive just makes the most sense. Right?

Dewpoint Therapeutics just announced that they are teaming up with Merck to develop a new way to fight HIV using its molecular condensates platform and they are going after a cure! The duo kept specifics under wraps, but Dewpoint could net up to $305 million in upfront and milestone payments. We will keep you updated! And In other queer news: The advocate reports Retired Canadian Olympian swimmer Martha McCabe revealed she is a lesbian in an interview with CBC Sports. She says she hopes that by coming out she can provide the type of strong and proud LGBTQ+ role model she never had growing up. Congrats to her on living free and hopefully helping others around her as well. I’m Josh Robbins and THIS WAS LGBTQ Health Headlines Presented By O&AN. see you next time.