Typhoid Fever is a highly infectious bacterial infection that can be found in developing countries and in regions with poor sanitation and water facilities. It’s not as common in the western world as it once was, but several cases are reported each year of travellers becoming ill while they’ve travelling in less developed countries.
A person becomes infected when they are exposed to the bacteria, usually after coming into the faecal matter of an infected person. This can be through eating food or drink prepared by someone who is infected or by using contaminated water.
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
The symptoms of typhoid fever are similar to those of the flu. If you experience flu-like symptoms and have potentially been exposed to typhoid bacteria, seek medical help as soon as possible. While there is no cure for typhoid, treatment can help prevent the disease from progressing and becoming more serious.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches and pains
- Headache
- Coughing
- Stomach upset
- Change in bowel habits
- Loss of appetite
If your symptoms do not clear up in the first week, by the second week you may start to experience severe symptoms that could become fatal. In more advanced stages of the disease, you may experience abdominal swelling, a high grade fever, trouble breathing, and perforation of your bowel that causes internal bleeding.
Preventing Typhoid Fever
Always wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating. Carrying hand sanitizer with you can help if you have limited access to soap and water. You should only eat food that is served hot and has been prepared by someone you trust. Avoid salads, raw fruit, and raw veg.
Don’t order drinks with ice in them and only drink water if it’s bottled. Bottled water should also be used for cooking and brushing your teeth.
In addition to these steps, you should also get the typhoid vaccination. With just one injection, you can have lifelong protection against the disease.
Typhoid Fever Vaccination in Northampton and Northolt
If you’re going to be travelling in an area where typhoid fever is found, make an appointment for typhoid fever vaccination in Bromley and Camberley with Touchwood Pharmacy. Our friendly and comprehensive travel clinics can provide you with advice, information, and travel vaccines. Visit our website or contact us to arrange typhoid fever vaccination in Hanwell and Leighton Buzzard.
