Giardiasis can often be prevented by practising good hygiene and taking some common-sense precautions.
Wash your hands
The most effective way to prevent giardiasis is to wash your hands regularly, particularly:
- after going to toilet
- after changing a nappy
- before handling and eating food
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 to 20 seconds, making sure that you clean the front and back of your hands. After washing your hands, rinse and dry them with a clean towel. You should also encourage your children to wash their hands regularly.
Water safety
In England, water purification systems makes it very unlikely that tap water could be contaminated by giardiasis. However, avoid drinking untreated water from rivers and lakes in this country and when travelling abroad.
Recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, paddling pools and water parks can sometimes become contaminated, particularly if they're used by younger children who may accidentally soil themselves while in the water. Avoid drinking the water when using such a facility. Giardia parasites can survive in chlorinated water, so you should not assume that chlorinated water is safe.
If you're going camping, it's recommended that you boil water before drinking it.
Travelling abroad
If you're travelling to countries where giardiasis is widespread and sanitation is poor, drink bottled water only. Make sure that the bottle is properly sealed before using it.
Also avoid eating raw fruit and vegetables as they may have been handled by someone with giardiasis.
See the Live Well section about food and water abroad for more information and advice.
Preventing the spread of infection
If you're diagnosed with giardiasis (or even if you have any episode of diarrhoea that's not diagnosed), it's very important to take precautions to prevent other members of your household becoming infected. You should:
- wash your hands regularly
- not cook or handle food that will be eaten by other members of your household
- avoid sharing utensils or towels
It's recommended that you stay away from work or college and avoid swimming pools until you have been completely free of symptoms for 48 hours. Similarly, your child should stay away from school or nursery until they have been completely free from symptoms for 48 hours.
Sex
If you're a sexually active gay man, make sure that you wash your hands after handling a condom that's been used during anal sex and after touching the anus (back passage).
Straight men and women who also have frequent anal sex also have an increased risk of infection.
The sexual practice known as ‘rimming’, in which one partner kisses or licks the other partner’s anus, also leads to an increased risk of infection. Due to the increased risk of giardiasis and other types of infection, this practice is not recommended.
