What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, a primary cause of typhoid fever. When a person gets infected, the bacteria travel to the intestines, spread to the bloodstream, and can affect different organs in the body. Without treatment, it can be serious and even life-threatening.
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How Does Typhoid Fever Spread?
- Infected food or water: Someone with typhoid fever who does not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom might prepare food or handle water, contaminating it with the bacteria.
- Close contact: The infection can spread when an infected person touches food or surfaces that others might touch. People in crowded or unsanitary conditions are more likely to spread the infection.
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
Common typhoid symptoms include:
- High fever: A sudden, high fever that can last for several days, sometimes up to 104°F (40°C).
- Stomach pain: Abdominal discomfort or pain, especially in the lower part of the belly.
- Weakness and fatigue: Feeling extremely tired and weak.
- Loss of appetite: A lack of interest in eating or feeling nauseous.
- Headache: A constant headache, often one of the first signs.
- Diarrhea or constipation: Some people experience diarrhea, while others may become constipated.
- Rash: Small, flat, pink spots may appear on your chest or abdomen.
- Enlarged liver or spleen: Sometimes, the liver or spleen can become swollen, causing more discomfort.
In severe cases, if left untreated, typhoid symptoms can lead to serious complications like intestinal bleeding or a hole in the intestines (intestinal perforation), both of which are life-threatening.
How is Typhoid Fever Diagnosed?
Ask about your symptoms:
The doctor will want to know when your typhoid symptoms started and whether you’ve been in an area where typhoid fever is common.
Blood test:
A sample of your blood is taken to check for the bacteria, known as a typhoid test.
Stool or urine test
Sometimes, your stool or urine might be tested for traces of the bacteria.
Other tests:
In some cases, the doctor may take a sample from your bone marrow if other tests don’t give a clear result.
Effective typhoid treatment involves:
- Antibiotics: The main treatment for typhoid fever is a course of antibiotics, which are medications that kill the bacteria. Doctors might prescribe antibiotics like ceftriaxone, azithromycin, or ciprofloxacin. It’s important to take the full course of antibiotics to make sure the infection is completely gone.
- Hydration: It’s important to drink a lot of fluids because you might lose fluids from diarrhoea or fever. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) help to replace the lost fluids and salts.
- Rest: Rest is important as your body fights the infection. Typhoid fever can make you feel weak and tired, so getting plenty of rest helps you recover faster.
- Hospitalization: In some severe cases, especially if there are complications like bleeding or if the person is very weak, hospitalization may be needed for fluids and antibiotics through an IV.
Complications of Typhoid Fever
- Intestinal perforation: The bacteria can cause a hole in the intestines, which leads to leakage of bacteria into the stomach and it can be a life-threatening condition requiring surgery.
- Intestinal bleeding: Typhoid can damage blood vessels in the intestines, causing bleeding, which might be severe.
- Sepsis: If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it can cause sepsis, a condition where the body's organs start to fail.
- Organ damage: In some severe cases, the liver, spleen, and other organs can be affected, causing long-term damage.
Prevention of Typhoid Fever
- Vaccination: A vaccine can help protect you from typhoid fever, especially if you are traveling to a country where the disease is common. There are two types of vaccines: one is an injection, and the other is taken as a series of oral pills.
- Good hygiene: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, is the best way to prevent typhoid fever.
- Safe drinking water: Drink only clean, purified water, especially if you’re in an area where typhoid fever is common. Avoid drinking tap water or anything made from untreated water, like ice in drinks.
- Food safety: Eat food that is properly cooked and avoid eating raw fruits, vegetables, or food from street vendors, as they could be contaminated with the bacteria.
- Avoid sharing utensils: Don’t share food, drinks, or utensils with someone who might have typhoid fever
Typhoid Fever in Carriers
Some people who have had typhoid fever recover completely but still carry the bacteria in their body. These people are called typhoid carriers. They can spread the bacteria to others even though they don’t have any typhoid symptoms. This is why it’s important for people who have had typhoid fever to continue practicing good hygiene, like washing hands regularly, to avoid spreading the bacteria.
Outlook and Recovery
If you receive typhoid treatment in time, most people recover from typhoid fever within 2 to 4 weeks. After you finish the antibiotics, it’s important to rest and take care of yourself to fully recover. Even after treatment, you may still feel weak for a while, but with proper care, the infection will go away completely.
