ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Paterson's worms

Paterson's worms are tiny creatures that live in your gut. They are so small that you can't see them with your eyes, but they can cause big problems if there are too many of them. These worms are called Paterson's worms because they were first discovered by a scientist named William Paterson.

When you have too many Paterson's worms in your gut, it can make you feel sick. You might have tummy aches, feel tired or have trouble going to the bathroom. This is because the worms are taking all the good stuff from your food and leaving behind the bad stuff.

To get rid of Paterson's worms, you need to take medicine. The medicine will kill the worms so you can feel better. It's important to take the medicine exactly like your doctor tells you, even if you start feeling better before you finish taking all the medicine.

If you want to prevent Paterson's worms from coming back, it's important to wash your hands before eating and after going to the bathroom. This will help keep the worms from transferring from person to person. It's also important to cook your food properly, because sometimes Paterson's worms can be found in undercooked meat or veggies.

Remember, Paterson's worms might be small, but they can cause big problems. By taking medicine and keeping clean, you can get rid of them and stay healthy.
Related topics others have asked about: