Visitor with worms should I treat the family?

[WindyAnna]

Hi all

Just found out that a child who stayed at our house over the weekend has worms, she had taken tablet a couple of days before but obviously would not have been clear. If I'd known I would have been ultra careful and gone for separate hand towels and mad handwashing. I've washed the bed clothes and towels now but we shared hand towels in the downstairs loo.

I know when a child in school gets worms they don't insist everyone is treated but since it was at the house should I treat all of us including 3 year old DD? I'd rather catch it before it takes hold!!

Also where do I stop - I have a nanny who comes to house with her own child - should I get them treated?

I think we are pretty good about washing hands and so on but I know the eggs get in to the air and on surfaces.

I don't want to bother my GP with it but would really appreciate your advice!!

Thanks

Windy

Why not ring NHS Direct or ask the pharmacist? They would be able to tell you what to do next. If it were me I'd do a massive clean and ask the question. Fingers crossed!

you should treat everyone in the household who could come into contact with bedding ,clothes,towels tec as the eggs stay around for 2-3 weeks. This webpage may help your decision.familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/common/stomach/139.html
We always recommend treating the whole family at the chemist.

Thanks both of you.

NhsDirect were far too busy to worry about such a trivial thing and didn't get back to me!

Pharmacist said no since she was not a family member just good clean (which I had already done) but nevertheless I decided to treat us all anyway.

Still not sure about other people who have been through the house since then though - I am guessing no greater risk to them than being in contact with a child with them at school?

Thanks again x

It's only worms. You can catch them from a cashier at the bank or at the supermarket. Stop fretting.

cornsilk - if the OP does take an interest and "fret" about it chances are they won't spread to the bank cashier or the supermarket in the first place. And then to whoever else. Sure, "only worms" but I don't want them, do you?? Are they "only nits" too?

Yes they are.

They are both (nits and worms) unpleasant and uncomfortable and I would prefer not to put my little one through the discomfort and lack of sleep if I can help it! If it were just me and hubby then it would be completely different! Also spreading them would be inconsiderate and anti-social!