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Can tapeworm infections be prevented?
Anemia is a common, yet often overlooked, health condition. It occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s vital organs. Though anemia can have many causes, one of them is an infection from a type of intestinal parasite called a tapeworm. To protect your health, it’s important to be aware of the link between tapeworms and anemia.
Symptoms of Anemia
Anemia has numerous symptoms, but the most common are:
- Fatigue
- Paleness
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about your anemia risk.
What Are Tapeworms?
Tapeworms are a type of parasitic flatworm that can infect both humans and animals. They can cause a variety of illnesses, including anemia, depending on the species of tapeworm involved. Tapeworms are spread from animals to humans and vice versa, usually through contact with infected feces or contaminated food or water.
Tapeworms and Anemia
Tapeworm infection, especially infection from pork tapeworms, is one of the most common causes of anemia. Tapeworms consume the body’s vitamins and nutrients, including those that the body needs to generate red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells, the body is unable to circulate oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to anemia.
How to Avoid Tapeworms
The best way to avoid tapeworms and the anemia they can cause is to practice good hygiene and food safety. This includes:
- Washing your hands regularly, especially after handling uncooked meat and poultry
- Cooking meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating them
- Storing food properly and washing fruits and vegetables before eating them
- Making sure your food is from a reliable source
- Visiting your doctor for regular check-ups and testing, especially after travelling abroad
Conclusion
Tapeworms can cause anemia in humans, but anemia can also be caused by numerous other factors. If you think you may have anemia, it’s important to visit your doctor in order to determine the cause and the best treatment option. By taking preventive measures, you can help to reduce your risk of tapeworm infection and other illnesses.
