Typhoid fever is a common illness in third world counties. There is treatment for typhoid fever and there is also a vaccine available to protect you if you are travelling to parts of the word where typhoid fever is endemic. Find out more about the typhoid fever vaccination from Miles Pharmacy and visit our travel clinic in Epsom for information and vaccination appointments.

What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that spreads throughout the body and can affect many organs. Without prompt treatment, typhoid fever can cause serious illness and complications and may even be fatal.

Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterium called salmonella typhi which is a close relative of the bacteria that causes the food poisoning illness, salmonella.

Typhoid fever Is highly contagious. An infected person passes the bacteria from their body via faecal matter and sometimes even from their urine consequently, typhoid fever is common in countries with poor sanitation and food hygiene. Usually, food or drinks water becomes infected with the bacteria and the disease is passed on via these means.

What are the symptoms of Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever symptoms usually develop a week or two after a person has become infected with the bacteria. Prompt treatment is essential otherwise the symptoms will progress and become worse. Typical symptoms include:-

• General aches and pains and muscle tenderness
• Headache
• Excessive fatigue
• Cough
• Constipation

As the disease progresses, the patient may lose their appetite, develop sickness or nausea and have a tummy ache and/or diarrhoea.

Protection against Typhoid Fever

There is protection against typhoid fever from an injectable vaccine. This is called the Vi vaccine and is administered as one single injection. An alternative is the Ty21a vaccine which is taken as three capsules on alternate days.

For some, there is a combined typhoid and Hepatitis A injection but this can only be given to people aged over 15 years. Protection against typhoid is not lifelong and so a booster is recommended every 2 years.

Neither typhoid vaccine is 100% effective so it is also recommended that you avoid drinking water abroad unless it is boiled/bottled and take precautions with food avoiding shellfish, salads and raw foods.

Learn about typhoid fever treatment and whether you should have the typhoid fever vaccination for your foreign trip at Miles Pharmacy’s travel clinic in Epsom.