Listed the symptoms of parasitic diseases: infectious people are often carriers of the infection

“First of all, four-legged people can share with people not very pleasant inhabitants – worms, the existence of which we sometimes do not even suspect.

These parasites consume the host’s food reserves, vitamins, make it difficult to absorb nutrients, and thus cause the weakening of the entire body, weaken the immune system, and cause chronic fatigue. People with worms are more likely to have other infections and to recover more slowly, ”warns Asta Budreckienė, Gintarinės vaistinė pharmacist.

According to her, dogs and cats can also cause allergies, and clinical allergies can manifest themselves in various ways: not only skin rashes, itching, sneezing, runny nose, dry cough, watery eyes, but also fever, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain. , etc. rapid fatigue and decreased appetite.

Who reveals that the owner is infected with a pet?

According to the pharmacist, the animal is difficult to detect if it is infected with a certain parasitic disease, such as toxocarosis, caused by the migration of maggot larvae. Toxocarosis is claimed to be the most common disease in dogs and cats in Lithuania. Humans cannot be directly infected from a dog because toxocar eggs that enter the environment from the intestines of animals must necessarily go through a developmental stage in the soil to mature. However, dogs can carry eggs that fall onto their fur or tongue from a polluted environment, such as rolling in grass.

“A person becomes infected with this disease by accident – when toxocarius eggs enter the gastrointestinal tract through the mouth, so no matter how much we love our pets, we must remember that after contact with the pet we must wash and, if It is possible to disinfect hands, avoid licking the face, dishes that we use, because there may be parasite eggs in the dog’s mouth ”, says A. Budreckien asegura.

Dogs and cats generally transmit parasites through their feces. A person can become infected even when handling a cat’s toilet, as toxoplasmosis pathogens can accidentally enter the mouth by touching a shovel or other items that have been contaminated with cat feces. The symptoms of this disease are reminiscent of the flu.

“An infected person may have a slight increase in body temperature, a dry cough at night, allergic reactions – all these symptoms can even resemble the sensations caused by a coronavirus infection,” notes A. Budreckienė.

With worms, in other words, helminthiasis, according to the pharmacist, can cause indigestion, changes in appetite, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, accumulation of gases in the intestine, diarrhea, even dizziness, pain, hypersensitivity, it can become difficult to sleep. . Allergic reactions can also occur: burning, bronchospasm, skin rash, hives.

“If parasitic diseases are suspected, a microscopic stool examination should be performed first. A general blood cell analysis is also worth doing,” he advises.

Children who grow up with quadrupeds are healthier

Pets should not be considered mere carriers of the infection, says A. Budreckienė, because pets strengthen the immune system.

“Research by researchers in the UK has shown that children who keep pets, especially dogs, are healthier than those who do not have animals. Children raised with animals are more likely to develop infectious diseases, making them more resistant to diseases in old age. It is proven that children who live with four-legged children communicate more easily and animals help them overcome stress and tension ”, he comments on the positive influence of animals.

The pharmacist adds that pets are great listeners, because today many people feel neglected, alone and the animal does it unconditionally, thus generating positive emotions.

“Can’t you get out of the mire of a bad mood? Maybe you should go outside, breathe fresh air more often? This would help make the pet. Didn’t you notice how happy his eyes are when you strap him on? ? If you can, go outside, because many people suffer from seasonal emotional disturbances due to lack of light, and when you invite a pet to the company, your attention is diverted from the problems, you can notice what we do not usually see., ”He emphasizes A. Budreckienė.

How to deal with unpleasant “gifts” from pets?

There are not many anthelmintics, according to the pharmacist, and their dose depends on the type of worm. The most commonly used over-the-counter medications are available as tablets or suspensions. The dose is selected according to the type of parasite. The most common side effects of anthelmintics are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea. Antiparasitic drugs are not recommended for babies under one year of age, pregnant women during the first trimester, or while breastfeeding.

For those who do not want to take medicine, A. Budreckienė also offers natural ways to treat digestive disorders caused by worm diseases.

“It is possible to prepare a natural infusion with absinthe, also known as bitter starch. In 150-200 ml of boiling water it is necessary to pour a teaspoon of dried beet, keep for 5-10 minutes and strain. Drink 3 times a day. However, pregnant and lactating women should avoid preparations from this plant, as well as people who take blood thinners. Pumpkin seeds have long been used to destroy pinworms. You should consume between 60 and 100 g of peeled seeds per day. If necessary, you can use laxatives, such as castor oil ”, recommends the pharmacist natural treatments.

Both pets and guests need deworming medications.

First of all, according to A. Budreckienė, the rules of personal hygiene should be observed: washing hands thoroughly with soap and running water after each contact with a pet, to form this habit for children. It is also important to bathe the animals regularly and take care of their cleanliness.

“If an animal lives in the house and visits the field, but is not given medicine for worms periodically, the chances of a person contracting them are very high. After all, a dog sniffs, explores sometimes and they are not Nice Gadgets – Weird droppings or discarded food, and the owners have close contact with their pet, letting it lick their face, kiss and pet it. No matter how we want it, we cannot guarantee a sterile environment at all times, so I would recommend that people who keep animals regularly take medicine against worms, ”he says.

The pharmacist also emphasizes the importance of taking pets to the vet regularly. After all, an animal is a member of the family, so a preventive visit to the vet is an inseparable phenomenon.