Do I Have Giardia Infection (Giardiasis)?

As far as you know, have you been eat or drink contaminated food and water?

Did you travel to countries where giardiasis is common?

Did your symptoms appear one to three weeks after exposure?

Do you have watery, sometimes foul-smelling diarrhea that may alternate with soft, greasy stools?

Do you have excessive gas or flatulence?

Do you have stomach or abdominal cramps?

Do you have bloating?

Do you have nausea or vomiting?

Do you have fatigue or malaise?

Do you have loss of appetite?

Do you have unintentional weight loss?

Do you have a headache or a low-grade fever?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a Giardia infection. Giardia infection is an intestinal infection cause by a parasite called Giardia. Giardiasis is a contagious disease, and one of the most common waterborne diseases in the US. The parasite lives in the intestines of the host (humans and animals), and is excreted from the body in the feces. Once outside the body, the parasite can survive for weeks. Giardia infection can be transmitted through contaminated food and water, or from one person to another through close contact. The parasite can be found in lakes, streams, municipal water supplies, swimming pools and spas.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a Giardia infection. Giardia infection is an infectious disease caused by a parasite known as Giardia lamblia. The parasite can be found in the feces of humans and animals, contaminated food, water and soil. People usually become infected by swallowing parasites. It is not possible to become infected through contact with the blood of an infected person. The parasites attach to the intestinal wall and interfere with the absorption of nutrients. The symptoms occur within one to three weeks after exposure, and can last from two to six weeks. A diagnosis is based on a stool test.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a Giardia infection. Giardia infection or giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by a parasite called Giardia lamblia. Some people have higher risk of giardiasis including international travelers, healthcare and childcare workers, hikers and campers, and children who are not toilet trained. People with mild symptoms usually do not need treatment and the infection will go away on its own within a few weeks. If necessary, giardiasis is treated with medication. Treatment of pregnant women with these medications is not recommended because some of them may have harmful effects on the unborn child.