Preventing Giardiasis - MN Dept. of Health (2024)

FAQs

Is there a preventative for Giardia? ›

You can take steps to avoid getting or spreading Giardia. Key steps include washing your hands, avoiding unsafe water or food, and not touching animal poop. If a person or pet in your home has a Giardia infection, clean and disinfect areas where they recently had diarrhea.

Recent research has focused on the use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of giardiasis, as several probiotic microbes have been found to have anti-Giardia effects in vitro and in vivo.

Don't eat raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit. Drink only bottled water and liquids. Avoid tap water and ice or boil water before drinking.

Abstract. Recently, a Giardia vaccine has become commercially available in the USA for prevention of clinical signs of giardiasis and reduction of cyst shedding in dogs and cats. The vaccine is based upon the current state of knowledge of Giardia antigenicity and immunology.

Giardia can be killed & inactivated using 2-5% Lysol or, a 1% chlorine bleach solution.

boiling water for at least 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). dishwasher that has a dry cycle or a final rinse cycle. boiling water for at least 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes). direct sunlight.

Giardia infection is rampant wherever sanitation is inadequate or water isn't safe to drink. You're at risk if you travel to places where giardia infection is common, especially if you aren't careful about what you eat and drink. The risk is greatest in rural or wilderness areas. People who have anal sex.

Several supplements may be helpful support for digestive and bowel function and microbiome health during the treatment of Giardiasis. Probiotics and prebiotics in supplement form are excellent ways to support a healthy microbiome and overall gut health.

Signs and Symptoms

They include: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, increased gas, bloating, fatigue, and sometimes weight loss due to nausea and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for several days only and the body can naturally rid itself of the parasite in one to two months.

Nutritional intervention aims to reduce the acute symptoms of Giardia and help clear the infection. This can best be achieved by consuming a whole-food based, high-fiber, diet that is low in fat, lactose, and refined sugars. Additionally, ingestion of probiotics and wheat germ assists in parasite clearance.

What is the most effective in preventing Giardia? ›

To prevent and control Giardia infection, it is important to: Wash your hands with soap and water during key times, especially: before preparing food or eating, and. after using the bathroom or changing diapers.

Indeed, undiluted vinegar solution has also been reported to inactivate Giardia cysts [28] , although temperature, contact time, and concentration appear to be important considerations [27]. ... Due to the delicate nature of berries and the reduced shelf-life once washed, producers usually do not wash berries.

Recurrence of symptoms — After being treated for Giardia and seeing symptoms improve, some people experience a relapse. This can happen because people are still infected with Giardia or because of changes in the intestine that cause heightened sensitivity to certain foods.

The infection typically clears by itself after a few weeks, but people with weaker immune systems may have a harder time clearing it. A healthcare provider can prescribe antiparasitic medications for giardiasis if you need them.

The best way to prevent Giardia infection is to make sure that your dog has safe, clean drinking water. It is important not to allow dogs to drink water from areas where other animals have left their feces. Your veterinarian can perform a test on your dog's feces to see if it has giardiasis.