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Giardia Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Giardia is an infection of the intestinal tract. It is named after the germ that causes the infection. Both people and animals with this infection have the germ in their stools. The germ can get into dirt, on food, or in water. It is one of the most common reasons for sickness in places without clean drinking water. It can also be found in swimming areas as infants and toddlers may have bowel movements in the water. People may become infected through: ‚  
  • Drinking water with Giardia in it.
  • Drinking water from a lake, river, or stream where animals have left their waste.
  • Direct contact with the personal items of an infected person
  • Sex with an infected person

Treatment for this infection includes drugs and lifestyle changes. Some mild infections go away on their own and may not need drug treatment. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take your drugs as ordered by the doctor.
  • Drink lots of water and fluids to replace what you lose from loose stools or throwing up.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and clean, running water. Always wash:
    • Before eating
    • After using the toilet
    • After changing diapers
    • After helping others use the toilet
    • After you touch an animal or pet food
    • After you clean up any waste
  • Teach family members to wash their hands at these same times.
  • Do not share your personal items while you have the infection.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. The doctor may order a stool test. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Fight an infection

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity if you do not feel well. You may also have to limit your activity in order to prevent the spread of infection. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Ask your doctor when it is safe for you to return to work. Also ask if there are groups of people like babies or older adults that you should not be around while you are sick. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Very bad fluid loss
  • Weight loss

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.
  • Wash and peel the skin off all fresh fruits and vegetables if you are eating them raw.
  • Drink water from a clean source. If you are not sure if your water is clean, boil it for 30 minutes and then let it cool.
  • Do not drink untreated water, including water from streams, rivers, or lakes.
  • Wash your hands after gardening, even if you were wearing gloves.
  • Wash your hands after touching animals.
  • Swim only in areas where the water is known to be safe for swimming.
  • Do not swallow water while swimming anywhere.
  • Do not swim if you have loose stools.
  • Change your childs diapers often while swimming to prevent infecting the water.
  • Teach your child to wash hands after using the toilet.
  • Wait until your signs are gone before you have sex.
  • Practice safe sex. Use a condom when having oral or anal sex. Wash your hands after oral sex or if you have touched the rectal area. Wash sex aides thoroughly. Store them in a clean place. Do not share sex aides with others.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of fluid loss. These include dark-colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth and tongue, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling faint, or passing out.
  • Signs of the infection return
  • Blood in stool
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Helpful tips


Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while you are taking drugs to treat this illness. ‚  

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you how and when to wash my hands to avoid passing the infection to others.
  • I can tell you how I will take extra care with my food and drinks and when having sex.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have bloody stools or the signs of the infection return.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Family Physicians ‚  
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/giardiasis.printerview.all.html ‚  
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/ ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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