Deworming is an antihelmintic medication provided to children that expels the intestinal worms/parasites from the body. These worms are usually found in soil and can cause Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections in children and adults.
How is STH infection transmitted?
The parasitic worms feed on tissues like intestine linings and blood for food and produce thousands of eggs in faeces. Infected people defecation contaminates the soil and the infection spreads through:
Drinking contaminated water
Poor hygiene
Consumption of unwashed, unpeeled or undercooked vegetables
Children playing in contaminated soil
Infected pets
Deworming process:
WHO recommendations for de-worming include:
Preventive chemotherapy:
For children of age 2 years and above: Annual or biannual antihelmintic medications
Periodic large-scale administration of anthelmintic medicines and improvement in water supply, sanitation, and hygiene
Common side effects of deworming:
Mild side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache due to the worms passing out through the child’s body
These side effects usually subside within 24 hours after medication
Benefits of Deworming:
Allows better absorption of crucial nutrients for a healthy mind and body
Reduces anemia and improves nutrition
Increases growth and weight gain
Improves cognition, mental and physical development of your child
How to Prevent STH infections in children:
Regular deworming
Not defecating outside and using a sanitary toilet
Keeping the surroundings clean
Washing hands before eating and after using the toilet
Wearing slippers/shoes
Thorough washing of fruits and vegetables
Proper cooking of food
Drinking clean water
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