Beaver fever symptoms in humans

Giardia affects digestion in the small intestine. Stools may be loose, unusually foul-smelling, greasy, or difficult to flush. Some people have abdominal discomfort, excess gas, nausea, reduced appetite, or fatigue. Symptoms can vary, and some infected people have no noticeable symptoms.

A recent camping trip, untreated water, travel, childcare exposure, or contact with someone who had prolonged diarrhoea can make Giardia more relevant. These clues do not prove the cause because several infections and digestive conditions can produce similar symptoms.

Take frequent small drinks of safe water or oral rehydration fluid. Eat simple foods as tolerated and rest. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before handling food; alcohol hand gel is not a substitute when hands are visibly soiled. Avoid swimming and preparing food for others while diarrhoea is present.

If symptoms persist, a clinician may arrange stool testing. Treatment should be selected for you, especially if you are pregnant, taking other medicines, or have another medical condition.

Seek medical advice for ongoing diarrhoea, poor intake, worsening weakness, weight loss, or symptoms after unsafe-water exposure. Urgent care is needed for fainting, confusion, severe abdominal pain, blood in stool, very little urine, or inability to keep fluids down. Children and older adults can become dehydrated quickly.

Tell your doctor when symptoms began, what the stools look like, recent water or travel exposure, and whether anyone close to you is unwell. Ask whether a stool test and specific treatment are appropriate.