How to Unhook the Hookworm

You are worn out and your stomach aches. You have noticed blood in your stool. You may have experienced a skin rash before you got sick. If you have been exposed to soil in a humid climate, you may be infected with hookworm. One of several soil-transmitted parasites, hookworm inhabits the small intestine and can cause anemia. Hookworm is a worldwide problem: according to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 500 million people have it. If you are infected, prescribed medication can take care of the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Anthelminthic (antiparasitic) medicine such as albendazole or mebendazole, in prescribed doses
• Iron supplements

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor and have a blood test or stool sample taken to confirm that you have hookworm. Once hookworm is diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe medicine to treat the infestation. Common hookworm medicines include albendazole and mebendazole.

• 2

  Fill your prescription and follow the doctor's directions. This usually involves taking one tablet of hookworm medicine, morning and evening, for three consecutive days.

• 3

  Begin taking iron supplements if your doctor recommends them. Some cases of hookworm cause anemia; a supplement will help correct the deficiency.

• 4

  Eat a well-balanced diet to improve your health. Replacing protein is especially important after a hookworm infestation.

• 5

  Revisit your doctor after two weeks once you finish the hookworm medication. If tests show you still have hookworm, your doctor will have you follow a course of treatment again.