How Often Should You Deworm Your Family: A Guide to Prevention and Good Health

Deworming, also known as anthelmintic treatment, is a crucial part of maintaining good health and preventing parasitic infections in humans. Parasitic infections can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and fatigue. In severe cases, parasitic infections can lead to malnutrition, anaemia, and other serious health problems. So, how often should you deworm your family?

The frequency of deworming depends on several factors, including age, health status, and lifestyle. In general, it is recommended that children and adults in high-risk groups be dewormed at least once a year. High-risk groups include people who live in areas with poor sanitation, those who have frequent contact with soil or contaminated water, and those who have a weakened immune system.

Children are particularly susceptible to parasitic infections, so it is essential to deworm them regularly. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children between the ages of 12 and 23 months receive deworming treatment every six months. Children over the age of two should be dewormed once a year, or more frequently if they are in a high-risk group. Adults who are in good health and do not live in high-risk areas may not need to be dewormed as often as children or those in high-risk groups. However, it is still recommended that they receive treatment at least once a year to prevent parasitic infections.

Pregnant women are also at risk of parasitic infections, which can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women be dewormed during their second trimester. Breastfeeding women should also be dewormed to prevent the transmission of parasites to their babies. In addition to regular deworming, it is essential to practice good hygiene habits to prevent parasitic infections. This includes washing your hands frequently, using clean water for drinking and cooking, and properly cooking all meat and fish.

Remember deworming your family and children is important whether you have pets or not. If you have pets, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best deworming schedule for your pet based on their individual circumstances.

We use Vermox for our family, as recommended by our family GP. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist what brand you should use. Vermox can be bought at Clicks or your local pharmacy: https://clicks.co.za/brands/vermox