About this topic
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a tiny parasite. Animals can pass this infection to people. If you have this infection you may not have any signs. If your immune system is normal, then you may not even know you have an infection. Pregnant women and people with a weak immune system may have serious problems if they are infected. Drugs can treat this infection. People with normal immune systems may not need any 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 your doctor.
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 suggest tests to check if the infection was treated.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
- Control seizures
Will physical activity be limited?
Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Eye infection
- Toxoplasmosis may come back
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Be careful when eating.
- Choose foods that are freshly cooked and served very hot.
- Do not eat food from street vendors.
- Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits. Be careful when eating salads as the produce may have been washed with tap water.
- Eat fruits and vegetables that are peeled or cooked.
- If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, let it boil at more than 140 ‚ °F for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
- Always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before eating.
- Teach children to keep their hands out of their mouth.
- Wear proper protective clothing when working with soil. Wear hand gloves or shoes when farming or exposed to soil.
- If you are pregnant:
- Avoid contact with animals.
- Do not handle clothes, boots, or tools used for animal care.
- If you have pets:
- Have your cat vaccinated against toxoplasmosis.
- Do not feed your cat raw meat.
- Keep your cat inside the house.
- Clean up dog and cat feces. Do not touch things that may have cat feces.
- Do not take in stray cats or kittens.
- Cover your childs sandbox so it is not used as a litter box.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a more serious infection. These include feeling confused, seizures, or changes in eyesight.
- You have a weakened immune system and show signs of infection
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
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 what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel confused, have seizures, or have changes in my eyesight.
Where can I learn more?
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety ‚
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/toxoplasmosis.html ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/268/viewAbstract ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚