Typhoid is a common bacterial infection that hits countries with low incomes. Typhoid is a bacterial infection that results in a high fever and gastrointestinal problems. The infection is often transmitted through unhygienic food and drinking water, and it is more widespread in places where handwashing is not regularly practiced. Each year, a whopping there are around 5,800 cases of typhoid are reported in the United States, while approximately 21.5 million people a year contract the disease.
Typhoid can be treated effectively with antibiotics if it’s diagnosed early; left untreated, it can be fatal. Typhoid can only be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of Typhoid fever
A high fever and rash are the two major symptoms of typhoid. The fever is mostly high, steadily rising over several days up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. The rash does not impact every patient, which comprises rose-colored spots, mainly on the neck and abdomen. Other symptoms include weakness, stomach pain, constipation, headaches. In critical, untreated situations, the bowel can become punctured, which may lead to peritonitis. Paratyphoid, another infection which bears similarities with typhoid, is caused by Salmonella enteric, but it’s not life-threatening.
Treatment of Typhoid fever
While antibiotics are the only effective treatment of typhoid fever, drinking sufficient water to rehydrate is also important. In more critical situations cases, surgery may be required.
Causes of Typhoid fever
The disease is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi and passed on through infected food and water mixed with fecal substance. It can be spread by washing fruit and vegetables if contaminated water is used. Some people carry the bacteria but suffer no bad effects, but occasionally the disease can resurge. People who test positive as carriers may not be permitted to work with kids or adults until medical tests demonstrate that they are clear.
Prevention of Typhoid fever
In many developing countries, objectives that can help stop and manage typhoid fever, such as safe drinking water, improved sanitation and sufficient medical facilities, may be hard to attain. Therefore, some health specialists think that vaccinating high-risk populations is the most effective way to control typhoid fever.
Vaccines of Typhoid fever
Two vaccines are available. One is injected in a single dose at least one week prior to traveling, while the other is administered orally in four capsules, with one capsule to be taken every other day. None of the vaccines is completely effective, and both require repeat immunizations, as vaccine efficacy reduces over time. Since the vaccine isn’t able to provide complete protection, the following guidelines will help you when traveling to high-risk areas:
- Wash your hands. You can easily control the infection if you wash your hands frequently in hot, soapy water, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the lavatory. When water is not available, make do with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid drinking untreated water.Unhygienic drinking water is a particular problem in places where typhoid fever is widespread. Therefore, drink only bottled water as it’s safer than uncarbonated bottled water. Ensure you use drinks without ice, and avoid swallowing water in the shower.
- Avoid raw fruits and vegetables.Since they may have been washed in unsafe water, avoid fruits and vegetables that you can’t peel, particularly lettuce. To be completely safe, you should avoid raw foods entirely.
- Steam foods.Stay away from food that’s stored or served at room temperature. It’s best to steam foods. While there’s no assurance that meals served at the finest restaurants are secure, it’s best to avoid food from street vendors, as it’s more likely to be contaminated.