Problems With Bad Food

[Brian US]

This isn't the most comfortable topic to talk about, but I figured pretty important and common to bring up.

Today I found out that I have parasites. Probably from all the street vendor food I have been eating, but it could have easily come from any restaurant. After freaking out I rushed to the school hospital only to find it closed for lunch. One of my friend's roommates is a med student that calmed my fears. She said this is extremely common and everyone she knows has had parasites at some point. This was something I definitely wasn't prepared for as an infection immediately brings up those horror stories of travelers with some nasty things growing inside.

I was told not to bother with the hospital and just go to any pharmacy to ask for (not sure on tones) da3 chong2 yao4. Once there I did get a chuckle from a pharmacist, but she knew right away what I was talking about. A pack of Zentel set me back 12.5 kuai. It comes with 10 tablets that you only need to take a one time dosage of two. I was told it only takes a day to clear up.

A little embarrassing telling the world you have parasites, but hopefully this will help someone in the future be better prepared. Also, not sure if I should have waited a few more weeks or tried out some malaria to get a more slender look in time for swimsuit season.

Edit*

Just found out that I never had parasites, but still good to know if you ever do!

[Yang Rui]

What were the symptoms? How did you find out that you have these parasites?

I ask because I've long suspected that I might have picked something up in China - mainly because my stomach isn't able to take all of the street food and spicy stuff that I used to like.

[anonymoose]

Presumably you mean worms, then. I've heard it used to be very common, but less so now, in Shanghai at least, as hygiene levels have improved. The problem with street food is that, being illegal in many cases, is not subject to hygiene regulations, and thus you never know what you're eating. I never eat street food, mainly for this reason.

[Brian US]

What were the symptoms? How did you find out that you have these parasites?

No symptoms, but let's just say I found out after visiting the "little boy's room" and they are not worms.

I'll still eat street food, but maybe cut back on the malatang. Mainly because I've seen what they do with the oil. I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem, but then again apparently only 30% of parasites can be seen. Plus, I've got four more doses of Zentel!

[adrianlondon]

Any parasite which can survive malatang is probably going to laugh at your little pills ;)

[liuzhou]

In 15 years in China, I've met many parasites, but never in my food or evacuations.

Adrian, I know you were joking, but back in 1997 I got an apology from Lonely Planet after complaining that their irresponsible, and potentially dangerous, claim that bacteria and parasites don't survive in 辣椒 rich sauces wasn't at all true. They can and do. The suggestion was removed from the next edition.

Now I'm trying to get them to report on my home city by actually leaving the train rather than looking out the window and guessing, but I suppose that will take a lot longer. 

[yonglin]

Some researchers believe there is a link between geohelminth infections and lack of allergies (arguing that they help boosting the immune system), so perhaps it's not so bad after all! ;)

My point is that very rigorous hygiene standards is a double-edged sword, even if it might be preferred to extreme "dirtiness". For example, China and most African countries have uniformly low rates of eczema (and other allergy related illness), whilst rates in Europe, North America, Hong Kong and Japan are significantly higher. (Yes, I have chronic, very itchy, infection-prone eczema.)

[Brian US]

This next part gets gross, so be advised:

After my first trip to a Chinese hospital today, that took five hours, I found out that I never had parasites. Just my roommate's really nasty toilet bowl brush has bugs growing in it. The sad thing is that I'm happy there is a brush with bugs growing in my bathroom instead of inside me.

[gougou]

Good to see that you're ok!

Did you try the Zentel on the brush?

[roddy]

I'm a little confused as to how bugs in the toilet brush lead to you thinking they were in you, but . . . well, perhaps it's best I don't know.

[Brian US]

Good to see that you're ok!

Did you try the Zentel on the brush?

Several friends suggested using 白酒, but throwing it out seemed like a better option.

[benhadad]

Going to the hospital to do a stool sample is the best way. In other countries the company you work for might make it mandatory to do on a month/semi weekly basis. So it's like 10-20 kuai in many areas. I would say it's not a bad idea to do a blood sample/urine/stool test at least every 3 months or every time you are sick. A friend found out that way that the local fruit/vegetable vendor was using some nasty toxins.

Speaking of that, I wonder if there are any testing services in China? It would be a neat service if you could send in samples from your local water supply, apartment, and local vendors in a package and see if it safe in your area. I mean if it saved you 2 weeks in bed it would be worth a couple $$$.