Skip to main contentSkip to main content

Worms in humans

Overview

Open all pages about Worms in humans

A pharmacist can help if you have small, white worms called threadworms. They're common in the UK and can be treated with medicine from a pharmacy.

Worm infections are treated with medicine that you take for 1 to 3 days. The people you live with may also need to be treated.

You can get a worm infection by touching objects or surfaces with worm eggs on them, or swallowing water or food containing worm eggs.

To prevent worm infections, wash your hands before preparing food or eating, and after going to the toilet. Drink bottled water in high-risk areas.

Some worm infections can be caught in the UK and others are only caught abroad. Most worm infections are not serious and can be treated with medicine.

Page last reviewed: 20/11/2023
Next review due: 20/11/2026