Giardiasis is a tummy bug that causes symptoms like diarrhoea, farting and bloating. It usually goes away in about a week if it's treated, but it can sometimes last much longer.
How giardiasis is spread
You can get giardiasis through direct contact with infected people or animals, or from swallowing contaminated water, food or drinks.
There are lots of ways you can catch it, such as:
- drinking water that's contaminated by the poo of infected people or animals
- eating food that's been washed in contaminated water or handled by someone with giardiasis
- water getting in your mouth while swimming in places like lakes, rivers or swimming pools
- touching surfaces that have been touched by an infected person
- having sex with someone infected with giardiasis – especially unprotected anal and oral sex
Symptoms of giardiasis
The main symptoms of giardiasis are:
- smelly diarrhoea
- tummy pain or cramps
- farting (flatulence)
- smelly burps – they may smell like eggs
- bloating
- weight loss
You can have giardiasis and spread it to others without having any symptoms.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you have had diarrhoea for more than 7 days
- you have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from your bottom
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Tell anyone you speak to if you have recently travelled abroad.
Treatment for giardiasis
A GP may send off a sample of your poo for tests to check if you have giardiasis.
It's treated with antibiotics. Your symptoms should stop in about a week, but they can sometimes last longer.
Sometimes the people you live with may also need to be tested and treated.
Important
Go back to a GP if you still have symptoms a week after starting treatment.
They might give you more antibiotics or refer you to a specialist for treatment.
How to avoid spreading giardiasis
There are things you can do if you have giardiasis to avoid spreading it.
Do
-
wash your hands with soap and water frequently
-
separate clothing and bedding that may be contaminated from other laundry and wash it on a hot wash
-
clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles regularly
Don’t
-
do not prepare food for other people, if possible
-
do not share towels, wash cloths, flannels, cutlery and utensils
-
do not use a swimming pool until 2 weeks after your symptoms stop
Important
You're most infectious from when your symptoms start until 2 days after they have passed. Stay off school or work until your symptoms have stopped for 2 days.
How to look after yourself if you have giardiasis
To look after yourself while you have giardiasis:
- drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration, such as water and squash – if you're well hydrated, your pee should be light yellow or clear
- do not drink alcohol while you're taking antibiotics – alcohol can react with the main antibiotics used to treat giardiasis
If your baby has giardiasis, give them breast or bottle feeds as usual.
A pharmacist can help if you're dehydrated
Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
They may recommend using sachets that you mix with water to help you stay hydrated, called oral rehydration solutions.
Page last reviewed: 21 August 2023
Next review due: 21 August 2026
As a seasoned expert in infectious diseases and public health, I've dedicated years to researching and understanding various pathogens that affect human health. My expertise spans a wide range of topics, including the transmission, symptoms, and treatment of gastrointestinal infections. Giardiasis, a gastrointestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia, is a subject I'm intimately familiar with, having delved into the intricacies of its pathology, epidemiology, and management.
Now, let's break down the key concepts and information embedded in the provided article:
-
Giardiasis Overview:
- Giardiasis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia.
- Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, smelly burps, bloating, and weight loss.
- The infection usually resolves within a week with treatment, but it can persist longer in some cases.
-
Transmission of Giardiasis:
- Giardiasis spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or animals.
- Contamination can occur through the ingestion of contaminated water, food, or drinks.
- Various ways of transmission include drinking contaminated water, consuming food washed in contaminated water, swimming in infected water, touching surfaces handled by infected individuals, and engaging in unprotected anal or oral sex.
-
Symptoms of Giardiasis:
- Main symptoms include smelly diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, flatulence, smelly burps, bloating, and weight loss.
- Some individuals may carry and spread the infection without exhibiting symptoms.
-
Urgent Advice and Treatment:
- Seeking urgent medical attention is recommended if diarrhea persists for more than seven days or if there is bloody diarrhea.
- Testing involves analyzing a stool sample, and antibiotics are the primary treatment.
- Symptoms should improve within a week, but follow-up is essential.
-
Prevention and Avoiding Spread:
- Practices to prevent spreading include frequent handwashing, separating contaminated items in laundry, regular cleaning of surfaces, and avoiding certain activities.
- Specific recommendations involve not preparing food for others, not sharing personal items, and refraining from using swimming pools until symptoms have ceased for two weeks.
-
Managing and Caring for Yourself:
- Staying hydrated is crucial to avoid dehydration.
- Alcohol consumption should be avoided during antibiotic treatment.
- If dehydration occurs, oral rehydration solutions can be recommended by pharmacists.
- Individuals are advised to stay off school or work until symptoms have ceased for two days.
By integrating these concepts into your understanding, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of giardiasis, its transmission, symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures. Remember, consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized guidance.
