What Is Giardiasis?
10. Prevention
Although there is no vaccine to prevent giardiasis, there are preventative measures you can take to protect yourself and your family. If you frequently go camping or hiking, do not drink water that comes from natural sources such as lakes or streams unless you boil it first for at least 10 minutes. Better yet, bring your own bottled water to drink. If you get your water from a well, have it checked periodically to ensure the water is still of good quality and uncontaminated. Be especially careful if you travel to areas where giardiasis is common. Even if you avoid drinking the water, you may still be exposed if you drink a beverage with ice or you use tap water to brush your teeth.
You can avoid spreading giardiasis to others by washing your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom and before preparing food. Observe any rules at the public pool that prohibit swimming for anyone who has had diarrhea within the past two weeks. People who engage in anal sex should always use a condom.
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