Crypto
Crypto (cryptosporidiosis) happens when you put something in your mouth that has been in contact with the bowel movement (BM) or poop of a person or animal that has crypto. While some people have no symptoms, other people get diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, vomiting, dehydration, and fever when they have crypto. Crypto can cause severe illness for a long time in people who have HIV. It can also cause death.
You can help keep crypto out of your mouth by
- washing your hands
- practicing safer sex (using a male or female latex condom correctly and consistently, for every sexual act)
- not swallowing water when you swim
- washing and cooking your food
- drinking only safe water
Crypto can be treated, but no drug cures it. HIV drugs can decrease or get rid of crypto symptoms. However, crypto is usually not cured and may come back if the immune system gets weaker. Some drugs, such as paromomycin (par-o-mo-mi-sin) may reduce the symptoms of crypto. If you think you may have crypto, talk with your doctor.
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