Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is a disease of the bowel and bloodstream, caused by a bacteria which only infects humans. It is a problem in countries with poor sanitation or a lack of clean water. Most cases in travellers are in those who have visited India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, but typhoid is found worldwide.- Symptoms Fever, headache, loss of appetite, feeling generally unwell. The fever tends to be higher late afternoon or evening.
- How do you catch typhoid fever? Typhoid is most commonly caught through drinking water or eating food that is contaminated by infected human faeces or urine.
- Incubation period 1-3 weeks
- Diagnosis Medical examination, blood tests, and tests on stool specimens or bone marrow confirm the diagnosis.
Prevention
A vaccination is available, but travellers must also take care to avoid eating or drinking contaminated food and water and should wash hands before preparing or eating food.
Treatment
Typhoid can be treated with antibiotics, but sometimes relapses can occur. Relapses do not tend to be severe.
Vaccination options
Can be offered alone or combined with hepatitis A. Oral live vaccine is also available but not suitable for everyone.
Level of protection: ~ 70-80%
Protection duration: 3 years.
How is it given: Single injection or oral vaccine: 3 capsules taken on alternate days.
Ideally start: 2-3 weeks before travel.
£45.00 Pricing shown is per dose
Did you know?
- Without treatment typhoid fever can be fatal.
- As well as an injectable vaccine, an oral vaccine is also available.
- There is a very similar disease called ‘Paratyphoid fever’ which is similar to typhoid fever. There is no vaccine for this.