How is it transmitted?
Parasitic worms use the human intestine to survive, where they not only feed but reproduce. The pharmacist explains that hookworms are usually contracted by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food, but it is also very easy to get infected by touching surfaces contaminated with worm eggs, including animal fur, other people’s skin or objects. In other words, without proper personal hygiene, such as touching your lips without first washing your hands with soap, it is very easy to become a worm carrier.
“By not following essential hygiene rules, a person infected with parasites also infects the environment, its surfaces and the people who touch them. Without proper hand washing, worm eggs can get on cutlery or dishes, food, bedding, toys, clothing, soil, etc. Let’s say if a child touches an infected toy with his hands, does not wash them and continues to touch his face, mouth, nose – contact with worm eggs is almost inevitable,” says R. Blynas.
He says that parasites reproduce very quickly, for example, one roundworm can help as many as 10-15 thousand people per day. eggs. Although roundworms live in the intestines, they lay their eggs around the skin of the anus, which can cause itching, discomfort, and in some cases, a rash or pain in the anus. It is important to note that not all people experience symptoms.
“The longer the parasitic worms stay in the intestine, the greater the symptoms. Abdominal spasms and bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and nausea are the most common warning signs of infection. Also, depending on the infected person’s organism, immunity and the nature of the parasites, decreased appetite, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, nervousness, sudden onset of teeth grinding, disturbed sleep, dizziness may also occur,” says the Camelia pharmacist.
R. Blynas warns that the risk of complications after being infected with roundworms is not high, but studies show that the patient is more likely to develop urinary tract or genital infections, iron deficiency anemia, and other trace element deficits.
Everyone can take care of prevention
According to the pharmacist, it becomes more difficult to get infected with worms if we have strong immunity and follow basic hygiene rules. He emphasizes that it is very important to explain to children from an early age the importance of hand washing and disinfection. Hands should be washed with hot water and soap every time before eating, after defecating, after returning from the field, kindergarten or school, shops, and after using foreign objects.
“I would also advise that children do not put toys or writing instruments in their mouths, do not bite their nails, always wash fruits and vegetables well, and do not eat food from the ground. Since the nails accumulate dirt, which can include worm eggs, I would recommend that children’s nails be cut short and regularly. The risk of getting infected with roundworms is also reduced by daily changing of underwear, taking a shower, washing clothes and other material items at a higher temperature, at least 70 degrees,” advises R. Blynas.
He also notes that if one family member is infected, antiparasitic drugs should be taken by all relatives after consulting a family doctor or pharmacist. These drugs work by paralyzing the parasites, stopping their reproduction and killing them. However, it is very important to note that after taking the medication for the first time, you will probably need to continue using it for several weeks, since the medication only affects adult worms. Within a few weeks, new parasite eggs hatch in the body, so they also need to be eradicated – a second dose of the drug is intended for this, which will be informed by the consulting pharmacist.
“If you are infected with worms and feel the above symptoms, you should drink as much water and electrolyte solutions as possible to restore the moisture balance in the body. Since the worms breeding in the intestines have probably disrupted the absorption of useful substances from food, you should eat as many vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds as possible. If you suffer from diarrhea, it is advisable to eat smaller portions.
However, the most important thing is to try not to get re-infected – throughout the treatment period, special attention should be paid to cleanliness, proper hand washing, and encouraging others to do the same,” adds the pharmacist.
2024-08-30 13:17:35