Hidden Danger of Drinking from Lakes and Rivers

Summer is here and it's a time for outdoor fun. Hiking in the woods, swimming in cold lakes and drinking fresh river water. Cold, clear and very dangerous. Everyone loves to feel that first mouth full of cold, natural water. But there is a real danger that you may not be aware of when dealing with outdoor survival and fun.

It's called Giardiasis. Giardiasis is a parasite that lives in streams, lakes, rivers and other untreated water sources throughout the world. Even in our country the water from mountains and run-off can contain the dangerous parasite. It's easy to get and very hard to get rid of. If you are aware of the danger before you hike into the wilderness you will have a better trip and a healthier life when you return to your life at home.

Giardiasis infection is caused by drinking untreated water. Along the edge of lakes, rivers, streams or untreated wells Giardiasis lives waiting for a host to infect. It is from animal and human waste that has found it's way into the water you are drinking. Once you have ingested the parasite it can take from 3 days to 25 days for the infection to set in, but most of the time it takes only 7 to 10 days.

If a person has active Giardiasis they can pass it on to another person through sexual or anal contact. It can be passed from one person to the next by unwashed hands coming in contact the mouth and open areas of the body. It is a harsh infection and you do not want to catch it.

Symptoms of the infection range from diarrhea, stomach cramps, extreme gas and bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and quick weight loss. It has the feeling of the flu you cannot recover from. Another symptom is loose, soft or greasy stools. You will have very foul smelling stools and bad breath or belching with a sulfur smell. You can have the symptoms for a week and they can stop, giving you a false sense of wellness before they return even worse than before. The infection can last for years and may never leave your system.

It can be diagnosed if the doctor knows you have had contact with an infected person or an infected water source. If you have been hiking or swimming anytime within a month before illness you need to let your doctor or the emergency room know so they can run a test. The test is done by checking a stool sample or a sample from the intestines where the infection will strike the hardest.

There is medication you can take for Giardiasis and if caught early you have a good chance of recovery. If you do not catch it early enough you can have the infection throughout your life time. Weight loss is one of the worst of the symptoms. Your weight can drop way below normal and affect your life style such as family and work. Fatigue gives you the feeling of not being able to get enough sleep, but you have to work through it in order to develop a normal pattern despite the tiredness you will have to live with.

For safety reason when hiking or traveling do not drink ANY water that has not been treated. If you are in the mountains and want to drink mountain river or lake water boil it for one full minute and cool before drinking. You can also purchase a purifier to carry with you.

If you are traveling in a high risk area drink only UNOPENED bottled water. Do not drink anything that includes ice cubes. Do not eat raw fruit or vegetables and remember to wash your hands on a constant basis. This is the safest measures you can take to prevent yourself and your family from a possible life time of illness.