Prevention of worm infestations: 5 reasons why it is essential to deworm your child

New Delhi: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 241 million children aged 1 to 14 years are at risk of contracting parasitic intestinal worms. Intestinal worms, also called soil-transmitted helminths (STH), are one of the main types of parasitic infections. National deworming day celebrated on the 10th^th February of every year aims to release all the children of the country.

The main species that infect humans are roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), badworm (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale). Intestinal worms are a very common problem in children and adults, although children are particularly vulnerable to infection. Common signs and symptoms of intestinal worms include – abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, tiredness or weakness, unexplained weight loss, etc. Here are five reasons why it is important to deworm your child. Read – Doctors are shocked to find 100 tapeworm eggs in brain of 8 years girl who has suffered from epileptic seizures

1. Deworming improves your child's health by boosting the immune system, which helps protect against chronic worm disease.
2. Good health can help your child feel better, focus better and succeed in school. However, children with intestinal worms may miss school on the days they feel sick.
3. To stay healthy, it increases the essential nutritional absorption and reduces the risk of infections such as anemia, loose stools and so on. Parasitic worms in children can lead to malnutrition.
4. Deworming your child also effectively reduces the overall spread of worm infestations in the community.
5. It also reduces the total burden of diseases caused by intestinal worm infections in the community as a whole.

It is important to develop good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly with soap and hot water before and after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food, to help prevent or reduce the risk of intestinal worms.

Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are intended only for general information and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or health care professional if you have specific questions about medical issues.