Question: Are human intestinal tapeworms common in the United States? If so what can I do to avoid getting one?

Answer: Human intestinal tapeworms are common enough in the Unites States that it makes sense to take whatever precautions you can against getting a tapeworm infection. They are more common in less developed countries, but they are not confined to those countries.

The number one thing you can do to avoid a tapeworm infection is to properly cook all meat you may eat. The tapeworm eggs or larvae can be found on many types of meat, but cannot survive if the food is well cooked.

Many people who are suffering from tapeworm infections will feel no symptoms at all. If you do feel symptoms they will likely include:

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Increase in Appetite
• Bloating
• Fever
• Itching, especially around the anus.

A tapeworm can grow to be over fifteen feet long and will absorb nutrients that your body needs. A tapeworm infection can be flushed out of the system using an herbal colon cleanser or, if that fails, your doctor can prescribe an anti-parasitic agent that should destroy the tapeworm infection.

Human intestinal tapeworms are gross, but usually not harmful and they can be eliminated without too much trouble. Thanks for checking in and please let us know how it turns out.