What is the recommended action when treating pinworm infection?

Treating the whole family is the recommended action for pinworm infection because pinworms are highly contagious and can spread easily among household members. When one individual is infected, it is common for others in the household to also become infected, even if they are not showing symptoms. This is primarily due to the way pinworm eggs can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces, bedding, or hands, especially if proper hygiene is not followed.

By treating the entire household simultaneously, you help to prevent reinfection and the cycle of transmission, which can occur if only one individual is treated. This approach significantly reduces the chances of the infection recurring and ensures that all potential carriers of the eggs are addressed. Waiting for symptoms to appear in other family members before treating may lead to further spread of the infection, making proactive treatment an important preventive strategy.

Daily medication for a week is not generally the recommended protocol for pinworm treatment; typically, a single dose followed by a second dose two weeks later is the standard treatment regimen to effectively eliminate the infection and any newly hatched worms.