Unless you’re looking to travel to certain regions of the world, you’ve probably never given much thought to typhoid fever. While it was once a serious condition in the western world, most cases in the 21st century occur in developing regions of the world.
Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria called Salmonella typhi. It’s usually spread when an uninfected person comes in contact with an infected person’s faeces. This can be through:
- Consuming food and drinks that has been handled by a person with typhoid fever who hasn’t washed their hands after using the toilet.
- Drinking water or using ice that has been contaminated by sewage.
- Eating raw foods that have been washed in contaminated water.
Typhoid Fever Symptoms
Many people who get typhoid fever will only experience mild symptoms and won’t go on to develop any serious complications. Others, especially those who don’t get any medical treatment, may end up becoming severely unwell. Of those, up to 30% can die.
Symptoms of Typhoid:
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Muscle aches and pain
- Changes in bowel movements
- Coughing
- Fatigue and weakness
Those with typhoid fever may also develop a rash on the torso that appears as flat, rose-coloured spots.
Who Can Benefit from Typhoid Vaccination?
Those most at risk of getting typhoid fever are people travelling or working in areas where there’s a high risk of exposure to typhoid. Infections usually occur in areas with inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. Infections are most common in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and South America. Infections in more industralised, western countries are rare, with the majority of cases being related to recent international travel.
Before you go abroad, you should always check the latest travel advice and vaccination requirements/recommendations. You can find this information online as well as from travel clinics like Touchwood Pharmacy.
Typhoid Vaccination in Walsall and Sydenham
Anyone who is at risk of be typing exposed to typhoid fever should consider getting vaccinated. Both children and adults can get the vaccine to prevent infection. No vaccine is 100% effective, but it can greatly reduce the likelihood of you becoming seriously ill.
You can book typhoid vaccination in Ramsgate, Northampton, and Leighton Buzzard from Touchwood Pharmacy. Contact us or book an appointment online to protect yourself from becoming ill on your next big trip.
