GIARDIASIS is an abdominal disease caused by a small parasite.
It can trigger a range of symptoms, including smelly or watery diarrhea, egg-smelling burps, stomach pain, and bloating.
Some people also suffer from farting, weight loss, fatigue and nausea, according to the National Health Service It is Mayo clinic.
Giardiasis is usually confirmed by a stool sample and is treated with antibiotics.
Anyone with the virus should stay home from school or work until two days after symptoms disappear to prevent the spread of infection.
For most people, it goes away in about a week with treatment.
However, it can sometimes last much longer and cause serious complications.
How do you get giardiasis?
You can catch giardiasis in several ways, and experts warn that it spreads quickly.
Most commonly, people contract the disease through direct contact with infected humans or animals.
But it’s also possible to contract giardiasis by drinking water contaminated with poop from infected people or animals, eating contaminated food, swimming in lakes, rivers or pools, touching contaminated surfaces or having sex with someone who is infected.
This is especially the case with unprotected anal and oral sex, warns the NHS.
The bug is common throughout the world, but especially in places with poor sanitation.
How to prevent the spread of giardiasis
You are most infectious from the time your symptoms begin until two days after they pass.
To avoid getting sick or infecting others, there are some simple steps you can take.
First, wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
You should also wash any contaminated clothing or bedding separately and in hot water.
Regularly cleaning toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles will also help minimize the spread, the NHS adds.
If you are unwell, you should not prepare food for other people.
You should also avoid sharing towels, cutlery and other utensils.
It is important not to go to school or work at home until 48 hours after your symptoms disappear.
But you should also avoid swimming pools until two weeks after your symptoms disappear.
How to feel better if you are sick
It’s easy to become dehydrated when you have giardiasis, so the NHS advises people to drink plenty of fluids.
If you’re getting enough, your pee should be light yellow or clear.
However, if it is dark or has a strong smell, or if you are urinating less than usual, speak to a pharmacist.
“They may recommend using sachets that you mix with water to help you stay hydrated,” says the NHS.
It is also important not to drink alcohol while taking antibiotics for giardiasis, as they can interfere with the medicine.
“If your baby has giardiasis, breastfeed or bottle-feed as usual,” adds the NHS.
What are the complications of giardiasis?
Long-term complications of giardiasis include dehydration, malnutrition, delays in physical and mental development, and lactose intolerance, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cleveland Clinic adds that if giardiasis lasts a long time, it can damage the lining of the small intestine and cause gastrointestinal illness.
“In some people with severe or chronic giardiasis, prolonged inflammation triggers an autoimmune response,” the website adds.
“This means that part of your immune response to the infection becomes hyperactive and automatic, continuing even after the infection clears.
“Some people have developed reactive arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome or new food allergies.”
When to call 111
If you have had diarrhea for more than seven days, you should make an urgent appointment with your GP or call NHS 111 for advice.
This advice also applies if you have bloody diarrhea or bleeding from the buttocks.
Is there an outbreak in the UK?
An outbreak has been reported at Millstead Primary School in Liverpool.
Two pupils, aged five and six, died, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the deaths were not due to the infection.
A spokesperson added: “We are aware of the sad deaths of two children who attended Millstead Primary School.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and school community.
“The deaths are unlikely to be caused by giardia. Giardia usually causes a self-limiting gastrointestinal illness that can spread easily in homes and school settings.”
Warning signs to watch out for in your child
Infections, such as colds and flu, and bed bugs that cause diarrhea and vomiting, are very common in babies and children.
Fortunately, most will fully recover without needing treatment.
However, you should call 999 or go to A&E if they:
- Stop breathing or pause your breathing
- Have severe difficulty breathing, such as grunting or noisy breathing
- They appear seriously unwell – for example, they are very pale, gray or white, or have patches (pale, patchy skin with a purple tinge) on their arms, legs or body
- Do not have a normal skin, lip and tongue color – for example, very pale, blue or purple
- Are not awake and cannot be woken up or are very difficult to wake up
- They are breathing very quickly, even when resting and when they are not upset or crying
- Vomiting blood or vomiting that looks like ground coffee
- Have greenish-yellow or green vomit
- You may have swallowed something poisonous
- Have stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- Have a sudden, intense headache
- Have a sudden, severe stomach pain
- Are confused or don’t respond as usual
Ultimately, you know your child best. Always trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help if you think there is an emergency.
Source: SNS
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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