Hookworms thrive best in a moist, sandy environment.
You can contract it orally by eating food prepared by an infected host or coming into contact with infected feces. Dog and cat owners, especially, can contract hookworm while handling their pets’ feces. [6] X Trustworthy Source PLOS ONE Online peer-reviewed, open access scientific research journal Go to source Soil can become contaminated by pet feces, as well. Consider whether you’ve walked barefoot somewhere dogs or cats defecate.
Wheezing Headache Coughing up blood
Fatigue Weakness Pale skin A fast or irregular heartbeat Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness Cognitive problems Cold hands and feet Headache
Analysis of a stool sample for eggs and parasites[14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source A chest radiograph to look for larvae in the lungs A complete blood count (CBC) and iron panel to check for anemia
Take 100 mg of Mebendazole three times daily. The dosing for this drug is the same for both adults and children. Take one 400 mg dose of Albendazole for most hookworm cases. If, after two weeks, the lab still finds eggs in your stool sample, you will take a second dose. If you have an infection called “visceral larva migrans,” take 400 mg of Albendazole twice daily for five to twenty days. Take 325 mg of ferrous sulfate three times daily for six weeks to treat iron deficiency. Take 1000 mg of Vitamin C supplement daily for six weeks. Take anti-itch medication like benadryl, atarax, or hydrocortisone cream for cutaneous larva migrans.
Iron-fortified breads and cereals Peas; lentils; white, red, and baked beans; soybeans; and chickpeas Tofu Dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, and apricots Dark leafy greens Prune juice
Use warm or hot water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. If you’re not sure how long to scrub, simply sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice in a row.
If you can afford it, you might consider hiring a pet waste removal service.
