Travelling around the world with my kids has always been a dream of mine. I want them to learn about the different languages, cultures and food available worldwide however during travel you have to be extra careful about the food your child eats and the things they touch. It is so easy for them to pick up germs and viruses!
Kitana and I at Nandos in Washington, D.C
On our recent trip to the USA, I made sure I carried wet wipes and a hand sanitizer in my carry-on luggage. I used most of it during the flights because we all know how disgusting airline toilets are.
I was such a paranoid mom during the entire holiday. I always washed Kitana’s hands more than once and made sure we ate only at reputable restaurants wherever we went but sometimes things happen… Things that are out of your control even if you are the cleanest person on planet earth!
It is hard to say this but I think Kitana might have worms. I’ve been watching her the past week and a half and her symptoms are the same of what a child with worms would have.
How are worms spread?
Worms are contagious and are easily spread through the likes of contaminated water, air, pet fur and even door handles. Worm eggs can adhere to clothing, bed linen, and contaminated hands and can live on raw meat or fruits and vegetables that have not been washed properly. They can also be spread by walking barefoot on contaminated soil or sand.
I’ve recently learnt that you supposed to deworm a child every 6 months. We get so busy with life that we forget about these simple routines that make a huge difference. I haven’t done it in ages even though I have the product sitting in my cupboard.
What are the symptoms of worms?
Some children may have no symptoms which make it extremely hard to pick up while most kids would have a few of the following:
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Peri-anal itching
• Fatigue
How do worms impact on a child’s development?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), serious worm infestations in children affect physical and intellectual development and are often linked to attention deficits and learning disabilities. Intestinal worms lead to complications such as bowel obstruction and anemia.
Research shows that as many as 1 out of 2 children may be affected by worms!
Kids love getting messy wherever they are. Adventures are the best way to learn, right?
Even though I am not 100% sure that she has it, I rather be safe than sorry! I decided that I will be deworming later this week with Vermox.
Vermox has been a brand my family has trusted for years. It’s South Africa’s No. 1 deworming solution.
It is known to kill most common types of worms Pinworm, Whipworm, Hookworm, Large roundworm, Threadworm, and Tapeworm.
Vermox® can be used for children aged 1 and up, as well as the whole family. It is available in a convenient single dose; multi-dose tablets and pleasant flavoured chocolate and banana flavoured suspensions for younger children.
Tips for Prevention:
• Regular hand-washing will effectively help break the cycle of infection and reinfection.
• Keep your child’s fingernails short.
• Keep telling your kids not to scratch around their bottom or bite their nails (if they do).
• Clean around the toilet, wipe faucets and doorknobs in the bathroom every second day if possible.
• Vacuum every couple of days (better than sweeping for this scenario), and mop at least twice a week.
• Change bath towels after each use, and wash hand towels every 3 days.
• Change bedding weekly especially during treatment. Don’t shake out the sheets as you take them off the bed, as this will send the tiny eggs flying. Wash on a hot cycle.
Did you know?
Worms consider Apple cider vinegar, salty foods, onion and garlic irritating. Spicy food also helps so might want to consider having more of this especially when you traveling.
Vermox is available at a pharmacy near you. 😉
References: 1. Adams V, Markus M et al, Paradoxical Helminthiasis and Giardiasis in Cape Town, South Africa: Epidemiology and Control. African Health Sciences 2005 2. Weekly Epidemiological Record. WHO. 2006. Internet: http://www.who.int/wer/en/ [Accessed 10 March 2016 3. Whitelaw, A, Digestive Health. Worms. Health 24 Internet: http://www.health24.com/Medical/Digestive-health/Common-digestive-disorders/Worms-20120721 [Accessed 10 March 2016] 4. Parasitic Worms – Some Symptoms and How People Get Them. Organic Nutrition. https://www.organicnutrition.co.uk/articles/parasitic-worms-symptomscauses.htm – [Accessed 10 March 2016] 5. Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections. WHO. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs366/en/ -[ Accessed 10 March 2016] 6. IMS data MAT to October 2015. Pinworms: http://avivaromm.com/pinworms.
Hi, I'm Shan!
Entrepreneur, Blogger, and Podcaster.
Forbes Africa 30 under 30.
I’m not surprised, really. People always think, “Eww! Worms!” The thing is, kids put their hands in their mouths without washing all the time, it’s really just a matter of odds. It doesn’t mean they’re dirty or something.
I was surprised to learn that worms are more common that you think. But it shouldn’t surprise me with how kids are about washing their hands! But it happens.
Animals are a big culprit. So many people don’t wash their hands after handling pets.
wow! I have not ever had this and neither have my children. But I was concerned with this when we lived in China and would never eat i restaurants.
Wow intestinal worms are new to me. I had no idea, how easy it is to get them. I hadn’t heard of Vermox before, thanks.
I do a parasite cleanse about 1/x a year. I get them from traveling too. It is hard to avoid them!
Knock on wood we have never had worms. Glad to hear that this is out there to help.Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. We had a roundworm infestation from contaminated soil from the place we rent. For 3 years now we have been battling it and having to deworm every 6months or so with vermox which was prescribed by our family doctor.. Needless to say it is so unpleasant and worries me to no end having seen these parasites in my young children… ☹ Thank very much for the info you’ve shared and I am hoping to be parasite free family in the near future as we prepare to build our home and move there..