Typhoid fever is a very serious illness. It can be spread from person to person, but probably not in the way you’re thinking. You can’t catch it from people coughing or sneezing or by breathing in any droplets in the air.
People who are infected with typhoid pass the bacteria in their faeces and occasionally in their urine. Others can become infected by sewage contamination of food or water. It can also be spread through person-to-person contact if you eat or drink something prepared by someone who is infected and hasn’t properly washed their hands.
Typhoid Fever Symptoms
The symptoms of typhoid fever will start to develop 1-2 weeks after infection. The symptoms can be very uncomfortable but should pass in a few days if treatment is sought right away. Left untreated, it can become much more serious.
Typhoid symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Aches and pains
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
If the degrees progress, new symptoms can develop like fatigue, rash, difficulty breathing, and abdominal swelling. As the disease progresses, other complications that may occur include internal bleeding, perforation of the digestive system, and death.
Typhoid Fever Prevention
Practising safe eating and drinking habits is very important to preventing typhoid fever infection. If you’re going to somewhere that typhoid is a risk, you should:
- Only drink and use bottled water.
- Avoid ice and ice lollies.
- Only eat hot foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still visibly hot and steaming.
- Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that have been peeled.
- Avoid buying food from street vendors.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating.
Typhoid Fever Vaccination in Bromley and Hanwell
In addition to being careful about what you eat and drink, typhoid fever can be effectively prevented with the Typhoid Fever Vaccination. Vaccination is recommended for anyone planning to travel to parts of the world where typhoid fever is widespread. The vaccination is particularly important if you plan to work or interact closely with the local population.
Before your trip, contact Touchwood Pharmacy for typhoid vaccination in Northolt and Leighton Buzzard. You can also get the typhoid vaccination in Northolt and Camberley from our comprehensive travel clinics.
