You’re losing weight
There are many diseases that cause unexplained weight loss, but losing weight is also one of the primary parasite symptoms for certain types of these freeloaders. “Tapeworms will cause you to lose weight because you have this huge worm in your intestines eating your food,” Patricia Quinlisk, MD, MPH, former Iowa Department of Public Health Medical Director/State Epidemiologist, wrote in an email newsletter she sends to healthcare providers. The weight loss is often accompanied by loss of appetite and upset stomach. Still, there are other health reasons to explain why you could be rapidly losing weight.
You have a compromised immune system
A compromised immune system could inhibit your body’s ability to fight off a parasite. “Those with diabetes and HIV, as well as those undergoing transplants who are on immunosuppressants, are most at risk,” Dr. Wachs says.
You’re spending a lot of time in the bathroom
This is also one of the more common parasite symptoms noticed by hosts. According to the CDC, Giardia infection is one of the most common intestinal parasitic disease affecting humans in the United States—you might get it from drinking Giardia-infested water, eating raw food that contains the parasite, touching surfaces contaminated with Giardia (like bathroom handles or diaper pails), or swimming in Giardia-infested lakes, rivers, or streams. It can also be transmitted through the fecal-oral route via inadequate hand hygiene, daycare centers, and oral-anal sex. If you’ve got it, you’ll be quick to notice that something is amiss. The infection is known for causing watery, smelly and fatty diarrhea, gas, abdominal cramps, and dehydration within one to three weeks after exposure.
