Giardia symptoms and fever

Giardiasis often produces diarrhoea, greasy or foul-smelling stools, gas, bloating, cramps, nausea, tiredness and poor appetite. Symptoms can begin after exposure to contaminated water or food and may persist longer than a short-lived stomach upset. Fever does not establish the cause of diarrhoea. It may occur with a separate respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, or signal a problem that deserves examination. A clinician will consider the whole pattern, the person's age and health, exposures, and how symptoms have changed.

Check temperature with a reliable thermometer, note when fever and bowel symptoms began, and drink regularly. Oral rehydration solution may help replace water and salts lost through diarrhoea. Rest, eat small meals if comfortable, and wash hands with soap after toilet use. Keep a record of travel, drinking water, swimming, household illness, medicines, and stool changes. If giardiasis is suspected, stool testing can help distinguish it from other infections and guide treatment.

Seek prompt advice for fever that persists, worsening pain, ongoing diarrhoea, inability to drink, or reduced urination. Go to urgent care for confusion, collapse, severe dehydration, blood in stool, or repeated vomiting. Infants, older adults, pregnant people, and those with reduced immunity may need earlier assessment because fluid loss and infection can become serious more quickly.

Ask whether the fever needs a separate examination, whether stool testing is suitable, how much fluid to take, and which warning signs should trigger urgent care. Bring your temperature record and mention recent travel, water exposure, and contact with anyone who had diarrhoea.