Stomach Parasites

My boyfriend has stomach parasite called Giardia. It seems that he drunk contaminated water and I am not sure where it happened. He is on treatment right now. I would like to know more about this stomach parasite. How common is it?

Giardia lamblia is one of the most common intestinal parasites in the US, second to only pinworm. Giardia is primarily a waterborne parasite and most infections occur due to the ingestion of contaminated water, but also eating raw or undercooked food may result in giardiasis. Symptoms normally appear one to two weeks after infection and the primary is diarrhea, but other symptoms such as flatulence, stomach cramps and nausea may be present. Did you know that there can be over 100 different types of parasites worms living in human bodies?

If your bf didnt go on holiday he may be lying, giardia is a STI (sexually transmitted disease). Its more commonly caught by sexual contact then infected water!.

Uh- Just to jump in and make a point; But don't listen to the above user. It is not an STI or STD. Giardia Lamblia is contracted from contaminated water, infected stool, and even dirty surfaces (such as a toilet seat) it is primarily spread through the bowls. So if someone has Giardia (which causes Diarrhea) and they don't wash their hands, whatever the touch could potentially spread the parasitic infection. NOT sexually.

Hope he's doing better now.

Giardia is an intestinal parasite you can contract by drinking water or ingesting food prepared by people carring the parasite , with improper hand washing habits etc, or sharing towels and bedding therefore can also be sexually transmitted by close contact it is not per say an std. Flagyl is a good medication for giardia.