Does Giardiasis Need to be Treated?
People who have giardiasis and are having symptoms should definitely be treated. Although giardiasis is not fatal, people with severe symptoms may feel like they are going to die! Children suffering from severe diarrhea can become dehydrated and go into shock if they don’t drink enough fluids. In children without diarrhea, Giardia infections can prevent the child from gaining weight and cause a loss of energy. So young children with giardiasis should receive treatment even if they don’t have diarrhea. Adults with giardiasis who don’t have symptoms may not need treatment. They should discuss it with their doctor, or their local health department, and practice good personal cleanliness. Can Giardia be prevented? Giardiasis can often be prevented by following precautionary measures. For families, day care operators and babysitters: • Good hand washing and fingernail cleaning is essential–especially after using the toilet, handling dirty diapers, and before eating or preparing food! • If
