Giardiasis is a stomach bug caused by a tiny parasite.
Giardiasis is often caught from water that's not been treated to kill germs. It's common worldwide, but particularly in places with poor sanitation.
Symptoms of giardiasis include smelly diarrhoea, burps that may smell like eggs, tummy pain and bloating.
Giardiasis is treated with antibiotics. Stay off school or work until your symptoms have stopped for 2 days to avoid spreading the infection.
Symptoms of giardiasis include smelly diarrhoea, burps that may smell like eggs, tummy pain and bloating.
The main symptoms of giardiasis are:
You can have giardiasis and spread it to others without having any symptoms.
It's best to call rather than visit the GP surgery as you might have an infection that can spread easily to others.
Tell the GP if you have recently travelled abroad.
Giardiasis is treated with antibiotics. Stay off school or work until your symptoms have stopped for 2 days to avoid spreading the infection.
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
wash your hands with soap and water frequently
separate clothing and bedding that may have poo on it from other laundry and wash it on a hot wash
clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles regularly
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
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.
Giardiasis is often caught from water that's not been treated to kill germs. It's common worldwide, but particularly in places with poor sanitation.