Skip to main contentSkip to main content

Giardiasis

Overview

Open all pages about Giardiasis

You can catch giardiasis from contact with an infected person or animal, or from swallowing contaminated water, food or drinks.

Symptoms of giardiasis include smelly diarrhoea, burps that may smell like eggs, tummy pain and bloating.

Giardiasis is treated with antibiotics. Your symptoms should stop in about a week but can last longer.

If you have giardiasis, stay off school or work until your symptoms have stopped for 2 days to avoid spreading the infection.

To look after yourself while you have giardiasis, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and do not drink alcohol as it can react with antibiotics.

Giardiasis is a stomach bug caused by a tiny parasite.

Page last reviewed: 21/08/2023
Next review due: 21/08/2026