Worm Infections: What They Are and How to Deal With Them

If you’ve ever felt itchy around your belly or noticed strange bits in your stool, a worm infection might be the culprit. These parasites—often called helminths—live in your gut, skin, or even lungs, feeding off nutrients you need. The good news? Most infections are easy to spot and treat once you know what to look for.

Common Types and How They Show Up

There are three big groups you’ll hear about:

• Roundworms (Ascaris): They grow long, can cause belly pain, nausea, and sometimes a cough if they migrate to the lungs.
• Tapeworms: Often linked to undercooked meat. Look for rice‑like segments in your poop and occasional weight loss despite eating normally.
• Hookworms: They bite through skin (think walking barefoot). Symptoms include itchy rash at the entry point and iron‑deficiency anemia.

Spotting these signs early saves you from more serious problems like intestinal blockage or severe nutrient loss. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, don’t wait—talk to a pharmacist or doctor.

Treatment Options That Really Work

Most worm infections are treated with prescription‑only antiparasitic meds. The exact drug depends on the parasite:

• Mebendazole or Albendazole for roundworms and hookworms.
• Praziquantel for tapeworms.
• Ivermectin for strongyloidiasis (a less common type).

These pills are cheap, usually a single dose or a short three‑day course. Side effects are mild—maybe some stomach upset—but they clear the infection fast. Always follow the dosing instructions and finish the full course even if you feel better.

If you’re buying medication online, pick a reputable Canadian pharmacy that requires a prescription. Look for sites that display their license number and have secure checkout. That way you avoid counterfeit pills that can do more harm than good.

Preventing Future Infections

Prevention is mostly about hygiene:

• Wash hands with soap after using the bathroom and before handling food.
• Cook meat to safe temperatures—165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground beef.
• Avoid walking barefoot in places where soil may be contaminated.
• Keep nails trimmed so eggs don’t hide underneath.

Kids are especially prone because they explore with their hands and mouths. Teaching them to wash up can cut infection rates dramatically.

Regular deworming isn’t required for most adults in North America, but if you travel to areas where worms are common, a prophylactic dose of albendazole before you leave can keep you safe.

When to See a Professional

If symptoms persist after treatment, or if you develop severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or unexplained weight loss, get medical help right away. These could signal complications that need more intensive care.

Most people bounce back in days once they start the correct medication and practice good hygiene. Keep an eye on your body, act fast, and you’ll be back to feeling normal without those unwanted guests living inside you.