Typhoid Fever – Symptoms and Causes
Typhoid is a bacterial illness that can cause a real headache for travellers if they catch it while away on holiday. However, just as well, there are ways to avoid it with vaccines! But why do you need to be well-protected from Typhoid Fever? What are its symptoms, and what are its causes? Let’s learn all about the dreaded Typhoid and why you would dislike like to get it while abroad.
What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid Fever (enteric fever) is a bacterial illness caused by the consumption of contaminated food or being exposed to contaminated surfaces in which Salmonella enterica typhi is present. Those infected with Typhoid will not only experience a range of symptoms associated with the fever, but they can also quickly spread the bacteria to others if they don’t wash their hands before making food or after using the toilet.
What Causes Typhoid?
Salmonella enterica typhi bacteria in contaminated food or surfaces causes Typhoid Fever. The most common way people conduct the illness is through prepared food with the bacteria present from unwashed hands or preparing spaces. Another is the direct contact with inflect faecal matter from those sick with Typhoid who don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom.
When Does Typhoid Develop?
Symptoms for Typhoid Fever develop after exposure at the 8-14 day mark but can be as early as three or up to 60 days after. When exposed to it, the length and time it starts depends on your circumstances.
Typhoid Symptoms
Typhoid symptoms can range from case to case and person to person, and those with the illness may have mild to extreme examples of each symptom. Therefore, this list does not guarantee that those sick with Typhoid get all, if any, symptoms on this list, but they are some of the more common ones reported by those suffering from the illness.
- A High Temperature (30-40* Celsius or 86-104* Fahrenheit)
- Stomach Pain
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Loss of Appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Sore Muscles
- Rashes
How Long Does Typhoid Last?
The length of your Typhoid illness will depend on your age and whether you have any underlying health issues that may shorten or lengthen the days you are under the weather. However, for most people, it lasts three to four weeks, and during this time, you should avoid prepping food for others and ensure you wash your hands regularly. Also, knowing how the fever is spread will help prevent dispersing it to those you live with and further afield. Finally, you should wait until the symptoms have passed before thinking about going out and returning to everyday life.
Typhoid Fever Treatment
You can avoid the more damaging parts of Typhoid Fever by getting a vaccine before you have the unfortunate luck of falling under the illness. Aiding in this are the antibiotics your doctor can prescribe when you test positive with a stool sample. These will help negate most of the symptoms and help you avoid hospital treatment. Then, if you think you are well, you can get retested before returning to work.