What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is spread through contaminated food or water, and it can also be spread from person to person through close contact. Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and a rash. If left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to serious complications, such as internal bleeding or a hole in the intestine. It is treated with antibiotics. It is important to practice good hygiene and avoid contaminated food and water to prevent the spread of typhoid fever.
Symptoms of Typhoid fever
The symptoms of typhoid fever can vary, but they often include:
- High fever: A person with typhoid fever may have a high fever that can last for several weeks.
- Weakness and fatigue: A person with typhoid fever may feel very weak and tired.
- Stomach pain: A person with typhoid fever may have stomach pain or discomfort.
- Loss of appetite: A person with typhoid fever may lose their appetite and not feel like eating.
- Rash: A person with typhoid fever may develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots on their chest and abdomen.
- Headache: A person with typhoid fever may have a headache.
- Constipation or diarrhea: A person with typhoid fever may have constipation or diarrhea.
Causes of Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with a person who is infected with the bacteria. Contaminated food or water can become infected with the bacteria if it comes into contact with feces from a person who is infected with typhoid fever. The bacteria can also be spread from person to person through close contacts, such as when an infected person does not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom.
Risk factors of Typhoid fever
There are several factors that can increase your risk of getting typhoid fever. These include:
Travel: Traveling to countries where typhoid fever is common can increase your risk of getting the infection.
Poor hygiene: Not practicing good hygiene, such as not washing your hands regularly, can increase your risk of getting typhoid fever.
Poor sanitation: Living in or visiting an area with poor sanitation can increase your risk of getting typhoid fever.
Exposure to an infected person: Being in close contact with a person who is infected with typhoid fever can increase your risk of getting the infection.
Other medical conditions: Having other medical conditions that weaken your immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, can increase your risk of getting typhoid fever.
Prevention of Typhoid fever
There are several steps you can take to prevent typhoid fever, including:
Practice good hygiene: Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food, can help prevent the spread of typhoid fever.
Avoid contaminated food and water: Avoid eating food from street vendors, and only drink bottled or treated water when traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common.
Get vaccinated: If you are traveling to an area where typhoid fever is common, talk to your doctor about getting a typhoid fever vaccine.
Avoid close contact with infected people: If you know someone who has typhoid fever, avoid close contact with them until they have been treated and are no longer contagious.
Cook food thoroughly: Make sure to cook food thoroughly, especially meat and seafood, to kill any bacteria that may be present.
Avoid cross-contamination: Avoid cross-contaminating food by washing your hands, utensils, and cutting boards after handling raw food.
Vaccination against Typhoid fever
There are two types of vaccines available to prevent typhoid fever: the inactivated typhoid vaccine and the live attenuated typhoid vaccine. The inactivated typhoid vaccine is given as a shot, and it provides protection against typhoid fever for up to 2 years. The live attenuated typhoid vaccine is given as a nasal spray, and it provides protection against typhoid fever for up to 5 years.