[pct-l] Anyone gotten Giardia on the PCT?

[Tortoise]

I wonder if a lot of the "Giardia" sickness is similar to "boot camp 
cold/flu".

When I was in boot camp decades ago, a lot of us came down with a severe 
cold/flu. This was attributed to all of us "boots" being in close quarters 
with other "boots" from all over the country and thus being exposed to 
numerous strains of germs which we had not developed immunity to.

Tortoise

<> Because truth matters! <>

On 01/08/11 08:41, Bruce 'Buck' Nelson wrote:
> Hikers often talk about whether it is necessary to treat water on the
> Pacific Crest Trail. I thought we might try to get a feel for how often
> hikers actually get Giardia in the "real world."
>
> Years ago I had Giardia, twice, and vowed to treat all water in the future.
> I faithfully treated water up until last summer. After reading an article
> about the low likelihood of getting Giardia from drinking water, I only
> treated on a case-by-case basis. Instead, I focused on hand hygiene and not
> passing food back and forth with other hikers.
>
> I got sick at Sonora Pass while southbound during my flip. After a couple of
> days I felt better, but I got sick again in Mammoth. Experience told me it
> was likely Giardia. The doctor concurred. He gave me Tinidazole and in 24
> hours I had recovered, if somewhat weakened.
>
> Bottom line: beyond a reasonable doubt I got Giardia from untreated drinking
> water.
>
>     - Have any of you, or anyone you know personally, gotten Giardia on the
>     PCT?
>     - Were you diagnosed by a doctor?
>     - Were you treating all water?
>     - What's your best guess as to how you got it?
>     - Where on the trail did you get it?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Colter
>
> 2010 PCT Thru-hike
> http://www.bucktrack.com/PCT.html
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