Are there any possible side effects?
In most cases, with the dose sizes we use, there is not much chance of experiencing any strong side effects.
However, anyone with a chronic infection such as Lyme, Hepatitis or Herpes etc., may see an initial exacerbation of their symptoms due to the immunomodulatory effect of helminth symbionts.
Some side effects may be noticed, especially following the first dose. These may include intestinal discomfort, diarrhoea, flu like symptoms, fatigue, fever, joint-pain and the possible short-term exacerbation of existing inflammatory symptoms, but all these symptoms are invariably short lived.
With each dose, there can be mild to severe itching and a rash at the entry site. This can be quite irritating for some people, however there are ways to reduce the severity, and the itching and rash mostly passes within days of applying the dose, even without intervention.
If you have any concerns about this please contact us and we can discuss options regarding limiting and/or treating possible side effects.
For more information see Treating a Hookworm Inoculation Rash.