Parasitic worm infections in humans are more common in rural and developing regions. Also referred to as helminth infections, it is among the major health concerns. Transmitted through contaminated water and poor sanitation, it can create havoc on the immune system and negatively affect the body.
This blog will make you explore the basics of worm infections, and the way the infecting parasites interact with the body and affect the immune system. Also, we will discuss how to keep your immunity levels higher for fighting and managing such infections.
What Are Worm Infections?
To understand worm infections, let us have an overview of the worms first.
Parasitic worms are the microorganisms that reside and feed in the living hosts (for instance, humans, animals, etc). The parasites enter the body through contaminated water/food/soil or poor hygiene loopholes and start receiving nourishment from the body. Meanwhile, they disrupt the body’s ability to absorb nutrients as they grow and spread. Ultimately, the patient’s health declines with symptoms like fatigue, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, malnutrition, etc. In rare (critical) cases, they may cause organ damage and lower red blood cell count too.
Which are the infecting parasitic worms?
Commonly, these infections are transmitted through parasites namely:
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
- Flukes
They penetrate the body and live in different organs, bloodstream, or intestines, thus affecting the body with different health issues.
Are worm infections treatable?
Yes, it is possible to treat parasitic worm infections with the right medicines and lifestyle improvements. The recovery duration varies among patients as per the type and severity levels of the infection. When the infection is in the initial phases with mild to moderate symptoms, improvements are faster as compared to severe and advanced-level symptoms.
Even if these infections are treatable, the damage caused to the immune system can prevail for a longer period.
How Ivermectin Works
Ivermectin targets the nervous system of parasitic worms, causing paralysis and eventual death of the parasite. It binds to specific ion channels in the parasite’s cells, disrupting their normal function. This mechanism is highly selective, as these channels are not present in human cells.
Ivermectin Dosages
This antiparasitic drug is available in different dosages as below:
How Do Worms Affect the Body?

When the parasitic worms enter into the host’s body, they start disrupting normal psychological functions. They absorb the nutrients essential for the body, thus causing malnutrition and weight loss for the host.
These worms create a major imbalance of the gut microbiome (quintessential for optimal digestion and immune system functions). Overall, the parasitic worms compete with the healthy gut bacteria to weaken the defence mechanism of the body. They so make the body prone to infections and diseases. Besides this, they can damage tissues, and impair functions of the organs they affect while causing inflammation too.
How Worm Infections Interact with the Immune System?
Unlike bacterial or viral infections, parasitic worm infections interact with the immune system in a larger and more complex manner. They create a challenging situation for the immune system to discard them effectively. Let us break down the interaction of worm infections with the immune system into three parts:
- Immune System Activation:
When the immune system suspects worm infection, it activates the defence mechanisms in several ways. It releases immune cells like T cells, mast cells, and eosinophils, and produces antibodies like IgE. It intends to diagnose and discard the infecting parasites. But the parasitic worms can detect these cells and evade them successfully. They can produce molecules for suppressing the response of the immune system to ensure their survival and growth within the host. Consequently, the immune system weakens to the extent that its ability for batting other infections is impaired too.
- Chronic Infections:
Chronic infections are those that persist for a prolonged period or are left untreated. These severe infections trigger an overactive response of the immune system, critical damage to the tissues and increased exposure to autoimmune disorders. In such cases, chronic inflammation is observed due to the continuously increasing presence of parasitic worms.
- Long-Term Immune System Effects:
The damage caused by the worm infections lasts longer, even after elimination of the parasites. When these happen in the early years of life, they alter the development of the immune system, thus increasing exposure to infections in later years.
How to Strengthen Your Immune System during Worm Infections?

Having a stronger immune support can create a noteworthy difference for battling, managing and healing from parasitic worm infections. Let us share some key aspects to be considered for supporting the health of your immune system.
- Ensuring Optimal Nutrition:
It is possible to give a tough fight to the infecting worms with a stronger immune system. Also, all human beings need to prioritize nutrition with foods rich in vitamins and essential minerals (like zinc, vitamin C, etc).
Most doctors recommend including probiotics in your daily meals for developing and restoring healthy gut bacteria disrupted by the worms. Have leafy greens, lean meat, and high-protein foods for boosting immune response. Don’t forget to drink at least 7 – 8 glasses of water every day to avoid dehydration, retain strength and ensure rapid recovery.
- Treatment Options for Worm Infections:
As discussed, parasitic worm infections are treatable. They can be addressed with the right medication and personalized treatment plan (as per the type and severity of infection). Get the best antiparasitic medicine prescribed which ensures complete elimination of parasites from the body. The popular antiparasitic drugs include Ivermectin, Mebendazole, Albendazole, etc.
One thing to keep in mind while using these medicines is – complete a full course of treatment, no matter what. If not consumed as per medical guidance, it can lead to recurrence. Visit your physician for follow-ups and perform blood tests to ensure the elimination of parasites from the body.
- Preventing Reinfection:
Do everything in your power to prevent recurrence (reinfection) which is very important for the long-term well-being of the immune system. Here are some basic hygiene practices for reducing the risk of such infections:
- Keep your hands clean. Adapt good habits of washing your hands with soap and water whenever arriving from outside, using the washroom, or having a meal.
- Watch what you eat. The food must be cooked in hygienic conditions. Your fruits and vegetables should be washed properly before intake.
- Don’t walk barefoot in soil to avoid contamination from therein.
- Drink boiled or filtered water while ensuring proper sanitation at home and workplace.
Conclusion
Parasitic worm infections are not to be taken lightly. They seem to be affecting the immune system but can lead to short or long-term damage to overall health. If you suspect any abnormality, consult your physician and get a complete treatment plan to protect your immune and overall well-being.
Buy antiparasitic medicines online with 100% guaranteed quality, competitive prices, and additional discounts only at Ivercor.com.
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