Your GP may send off a sample of your poo for tests to check if you have giardiasis.

It's treated with antibiotics for a few days. Your symptoms should stop in about a week, but they can sometimes last longer.

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.

Sometimes the people you live with may also need to be tested and treated.

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.

While you're recovering:

Do

• 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
• give your baby breast or bottle feeds as usual if you or your baby are ill
• wash your hands with soap and water frequently
• wash dirty clothing and bedding separately on a hot wash
• clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day

Don't

• do not drink alcohol while taking your antibiotics – alcohol can react with the main antibiotics used to treat giardiasis
• 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