Wormy Fact: Things Parents Should Know About Worms in the Family

Did you know na napapasa ang bulate sa mga bagets? Here are a few things you should know about deworming and why it's a must 🤔

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Most parents are not keen on having their children dewormed for a variety of reasons. It could be that the kids do not seem to exhibit signs and symptoms of having worms such as itchiness around the bottom area (or private area for girls) or having to deal with visible worms which can grow long up from 8 to 13 mm!

If these – and more – make you feel that parasitic infection is not a cause for alarm on your part, think again. Let’s debunk some myths about worms to improve your kid’s health through deworming!

Myth #1: Kids can obtain worms ONLY because of poor hygiene and exposure to dirt, particularly soil.

Fact: Worms are everywhere – on the floor, in shoes, in food – you name it. Studies show that exposing children to dirt at times is actually healthy for them, as it develops a strong immunity against sicknesses. While it is true that kids can be infected with worms due to unsanitary practices, dirt is not the only culprit. Since worms are present in every imaginable space, kids who frequently pick their nose or put their hands in their mouth might catch worm eggs and swallow them.

Myth #2: Kids can’t infect other kids
with worms.

Fact: Not to add up to the long list of worries, but yes – worms can be passed on. Threadworms or pinworms in kids are common at around 5 to 10 years of age and they spread easily. Direct contact is the surest way to pass a parasite infection.

These worms live in the gut and lay their eggs around the outside of the anus. Because of this, kids get itchy bottoms. If for instance a kid scratches the itch and played with another kid after doing so, worm eggs can be transferred. Aside from this kind of interaction, touching toys, bed linen, and food can also be a means of carrying the parasite onto another child. This is why reminding kids about frequent handwashing is important, especially when they are outside of the home.

Myth #3: ONLY kids can get worms.

Fact: Although kids are more prone to contracting parasitic infection – given the fact that worms can be anywhere and can be passed on – adults are also at risk. If an infected kid comes in close skin-to-skin contact with any member of the family after accessing the itchy area, the worm cycle may catch on in the entire household.

In effect, affected members can become potential parasite carriers in schools, offices, and other public places – making the community susceptible to infection too! As invisible as these organisms are, they pose a big threat to overall health at large.

What can be done?

Being knowledgeable about deworming kids is the first step into achieving a worm-free community. Through this, personal and family wellness can be maintained. Worm infections are treatable and can be stopped.

Mebendazole (Antiox®) is an anti-parasitic medication the whole family can take to prevent the spread and reproduction of worms. By taking the recommended dosages and repeats, your child, household, and community are closer to worm- free wellness, as infections like these contribute to different health complications.

Don’t let such little things grow into big health concerns. Moms, pass the
message – not the worms!

References: Very Well Health, Raising Children, Disabled World

*All content in this article should be taken as for informational purposes only and should not be considered

Published with Mebendazole (Antiox®)

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