What Is Typhoid And How Is It Transmitted
Typhoid is an illness caused by a bacteria called Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, which is the same bacteria that causes food poisoning. It is most commonly found in underdeveloped countries where tap water is poorly sanitized. Typhoid is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Therefore, infected stools coming in contact with the water supply can further spread the disease. The bacteria can survive for several weeks in sewers.
Examples of countries most affected by this illness are Egypt, India, Pakistan, and the continents of South America, Asia, and Africa. The disease can be diagnosed through a blood culture and stool culture.
People sick with typhoid fever might start to see symptoms 1-2 weeks after being infected and then be ill for around 3-4 weeks.
Common symptoms of typhoid fever are:
- High fever that that gradually increases each day (as high as 40 Celsius)
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Extreme fatigue
- Generalized pain and aches
- Rash
How To Prevent Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is treated with an antibiotic treatment and can be prevented with simple actions such as only eating food that is well cooked or boiled. Fruits and vegetables should be washed with clean water and peeled yourself. Ice and tape water should be avoided and swapped with bottled or filtered water. There are also 2 vaccines available as preventative measures.
Typhoid Vaccines Offered By Summit Health
Summit Health offers two different vaccines for typhoid called Typhim and Vivotif
Typhim is a vaccine given in the arm which will protect you against typhoid fever for 3 years. It should be administered at least 7 days before departure for proper immunization. (2 years old and more)
Vivotif is an oral vaccine containing 4 capsules. Each capsule should be taken on day 1,3,5, and 7 with a glass of water, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. It should be taken at least 7 days before departure. The vaccine should be kept in the refrigerator (2-8 Celsius) when kept at home. Vivotif will protect against typhoid fever for 7 years. (5 years old and more)
to best asses which vaccine is best for you, please book a consultation with our medical team
