What is the Most Effective Method of Avoiding Parasitic Infections
Many people may believe that parasitic infections are only a cause of concern in developing countries. However, while they may be more common in places with limited sanitation, parasitic infections are a global issue, with an estimated 3.5 billion individuals being affected by intestinal parasitic infections alone.
This article explains what parasitic diseases are, identifies the most effective method of avoiding parasitic infections, and describes how they can be treated if they do occur.
About Parasitic Infections
Parasites are living organisms that survive by feeding off a host, and harm the host’s intestines, blood, skin, or organs. There are many different forms of parasites, and depending on the type, they can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from harmless aches, like an upset stomach, to serious illness. Protozoa are among the parasite types that most frequently infect humans. These organisms are single-celled and include parasites like Giardia and Plasmodium. Additionally, parasitic worms like roundworms and tapeworms are common, while other kinds live on the host’s skin, such as lice, and mites.
Parasites often enter the body through contaminated food, water, soil, insect bites, and person-to-person contact. While this makes parasitic infections more prevalent in developing regions with limited sanitation, they can occur anywhere. Young children, immunocompromised people, and travellers are among those with the highest infection risk.
What is the Most Effective Method of Avoiding Parasitic Infections
Since there are many different types of parasites which can be transmitted in various ways, it's impossible to identify a single most-effective prevention method. Instead, combining several protective practices is recommended. Unsurprisingly, practicing good hygiene, including frequent and thorough handwashing, is vital. Drinking clean water, thoroughly cooking food, and washing fruits and vegetables also significantly minimizes your risks of being exposed to parasites. Other crucial measures to lower your risk of infection include the prevention of insect bites, e.g. through protective clothing and insect repellent and using clean toilets. All these factors are especially important when travelling to high-risk locations where eating raw foods, drinking unfiltered water, and engaging in other unsafe behaviours should be avoided.
How To Treat Parasitic Infections
Despite all precautions, protection from parasitic infections can never be guaranteed. In case you do become infected, fortunately, there are effective treatment methods available. The form of treatment, dosage, and duration depend on the type of parasite causing the infection, as well as the severity of the infection and symptoms. After receiving an accurate diagnosis from your doctor, antiparasitic medications targeting different kinds of parasites are often used as a first response. These may include Albenza and Biltricide. External parasitic infections, like those involving lice or scabies, are usually treated with topical treatments, which are supported by strict hygiene measures. You should also keep in mind that proper hydration, a healthy diet, and pain medication can help you during the recovery process. To ensure that the infection has fully cleared and to prevent it from recurring, a follow-up visit and potential medical tests with your doctor are recommended. If your infection spreads easily from person to person, make sure those close to you get tested or treated if needed.
