WHY WORM INFECTIONS IN KIDS ARE DANGEROUS?

28/10/2020

Worm infections are common in Vietnam. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the percentage of Vietnamese that have worm infections is high, namely around 50 - 97% depending on regions. Cases in kids outnumber cases in adults. Worms in kids pose some risks that should not be ignored.

There are many types of worms, in which roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, pinworm are the most popular ones. These types are different in characteristics and impacts on kids’ health. Below are some risks of worms in kids.

Loss of appetite, poor nutrient absorption

Worms reduce the absorption of essential nutrients and vitamins, which makes children lose their appetite.

Malnutrition

Worms consume nutrients, leaving children anemia and protein deficiency.

Poor physical and intellectual development

Poor nutrient absorption caused by worms in a long time may lead to poor physical (bad health and more stunted than their peers) and intellectual (inability to focus and bad academic results) development.

Dangerous diseases

Without early treatment, worm infections can lead to a number of serious diseases such as brain damage, appendicitis, obstruction and perforation of bowel, biliary ascariasis… For girls, pinworm infection can cause vaginitis, ovarian inflammation, urinary tract infection...

Prevention of worms in kids

Prevention of worms is easy and simple provided that you follow below tips:

Personal hygiene: wash hands regularly prior to eating and after being outdoors, avoid eating with dirty hands.
Thoroughly cooked foods: avoid raw foods and tap water. Raw fruits and vegetables may be safe if you wash them carefully.
Keep your house clean and ventilated so that worms cannot develop.
For children at the age of 1 and above, treat them with antiparasitic tablets twice a year. It is recommended to do the same for everyone in the family to avoid cross-contamination.

----------------

For checkup and consultation at AIH:

☎️ Hotline: (028) 3910 9999

🌏 Website: www.aih.com.vn

📍 Address: 199 Nguyen Hoang street, An Phu Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh city.