Typhoid Fever Symptoms

Typhoid is a serious illness, which is caused by the salmonella enterica serotype Typhi bacteria. It can also be caused by salmonella paratyphi bacterium. These bacteria get deposited in water or food through a human carrier and are further spread to other people in the vicinity.

Typhoid is contracted by drinking or eating the bacteria deposited win contaminated water or food. People with acute illness can potentially contaminate the surrounding water supply through stool, as it contains a high concentration of the bacteria. The bacteria can survive for weeks in water or dried sewage.

The incubation period for typhoid is around 1-2 weeks and the illness lasts for about 3-4 weeks. The symptoms of Typhoid include:

• Headache
• Fever as high as 104 degree
• Body ache
• Disturbed appetite
• Nausea
• Diarrhea or Constipation
• Stomach Pain
• Cough

If treated on time, the symptoms of typhoid quickly improve within 3 to 5 days. However, it may usually get worse over the course of a few weeks, and in some cases there is a significant risk of life-threatening complications of typhoid fever developing. Many people also experience chest congestion and abdominal pain. The fever becomes constant. Improvement can be seen in the third and fourth week in the cases without complications. Around 10% of people have recurrent symptoms even after feeling better for one to two weeks. Relapses are more common in people treated with antibiotics.

Typhoid if not detected on time has severe health issues and hence as they say ‘prevention is better than cure’ it is better to stay safe with primitive measures to be unaffected with typhoid spreading viruses.

In order to prevent typhoid in the first place, you need to do the following:

• Vaccination: Two vaccinations are available that provide considerable protection against typhoid. Speak to your doctor about the correct course of immunisations.

 

• Food Safety: Drink boiled, bottled or chemically disinfected water: Unless it has been boiled first, avoid drinking, washing food or brushing your teeth with tap water. Drink bottled water where possible or water that has been chemically disinfected. Avoid uncooked food. Make sure that any food that you eat is cooked thoroughly to destroy any harmful germs.

 

• Ensure Hygiene: Always ensure that you keep your personal belongings, home and surroundings clean using Dettol disinfectant liquid to avoid any contact with typhoid causing bacteria.

Practice good hand hygiene: Remember to wash your hands regularly with a germ protection solution such as Dettol Liquid Handwash or Dettol Bar Soap.

                    BY - MANISH KUMAR DUBEY 

                         ( MEDICAL STUDENT )