While it is not as prevalent in the western world as it once was, it is still present in many developing countries. Found in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection. It is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi that is similar to the bacteria that causes salmonella food poisoning. Once contracted, the infection can spread throughout the entire body and in some cases, it can even be lethal.
Typhoid fever is spread by coming into contact with the feces of an infected person. This can be through eating food or drink made by someone who did not wash their hands properly after using the toilet or by drinking contaminated water.
Typhoid fever has an incubation period of 1-2 weeks. If treatment is sought as soon as possible after symptoms appear, the illness should pass in a few days. Left untreated, it can become much more serious.
Typhoid symptoms include:
- Fever
- Aches and pains
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headache
- Cough
- Loss of appetite
If untreated, by the second week of infection your temperature will increase. Extreme fatigue, rash, difficulty breathing, and abdominal swelling can also occur. As the disease progresses, other complications that may occur include internal bleeding and perforation of the digestive system or bowel. At this point, the disease may become deadly.
Typhoid Test and Typhoid Cure
The only way to diagnose typhoid is through pathology testing of your blood, stool, or urine. Once diagnosed, it can be treated with antibiotics. The earlier you seek treatment, the less severe your symptoms will be.
You should frequently wash your hands and carry a hand sanitizer with you. Use bottled water and don’t take the ice in your drinks. Any food you eat should be served hot, so don’t eat salads, raw fruit, or veg.
The most effective way of preventing infection is by getting the typhoid vaccination. A single injection into the arm will give you protection. However, even if you are vaccinated, you should still take the above precautions.
Touchwood Pharmacy offers friendly and experienced travel vaccination services. If you are planning a trip abroad, we can help with any vaccinations or advice you may need. For typhoid vaccination in Streatham, Northolt, and Leighton Buzzard, book online today. https://www.touchwoodpharmacy.com/
