Typhoid is a highly contagious infection acquired through contaminated food or water that can cause serious complications without treatment and can sometimes be fatal. Most UK cases are in those visiting friends and relatives in countries of the Indian subcontinent. Stay safe and get your Typhoid Vaccine in Ealing, today!
Typhoid and paratyphoid are infections acquired by the ingestion of food or water contaminated by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi. They cause very similar diseases collectively known as enteric fever and mainly affect low-income areas of the world where sanitation is poor and clean drinking water is not widely available. The majority of global cases of the disease occur in Asia, but the disease continues to be a concern in other areas including Africa and parts of Central and South America.
The majority of travel-related infections in the UK occur in those visiting friends and relatives in countries of the Indian subcontinent (Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan).
Symptoms of typhoid and paratyphoid include:
Complications include intestinal bleeding and perforation (development of a hole in the wall of the bowel). If treated most people will make a full recovery, however, if untreated death rates can be high.
Due to the fact that Typhoid is most commonly passed on through food and water which has been contaminated by human waste (such as poo and urine), the risk of acquiring typhoid or paratyphoid can be reduced by ensuring good personal hygiene and following advice on the prevention of food and water-borne diseases.
For example, an infected person may pass the infection on if they do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet, and you may catch the infection if you do not wash your hands after using the same restroom. We recommend carrying antibacterial hand wash with you and was your hands regularly.
Tyhpoid can usually be treated at home by taking antibiotics, however in some circunmstances the symptoms may become more severe, in which case you will need to seek medical help and possibly visit the hospital. If diganosed early enough, then the symptoms should subside within 5 days of taking a course of antibiotics. The course will usually last for 1-2 weeks.
A sample of your urine, poo and blood will also need to be taken in order to determine the strain of bacteria which is causing the infection, as some strains are more resistant to anti-biotics than others.
During the course of the treatment it is best that you rest up and eat regular meals, while staying hydrated. This will give your body the best chancew to fight off the infection. If symptoms get worse, you must speak with your GP.
Vaccination is recommended for travellers whose planned activities put them at higher risk of typhoid infection in areas where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor. Vaccinations currently available only protect against typhoid and not paratyphoid infection. Both oral and injectable vaccines are available.
Public Health England’s Immunisation against infectious disease states: children between the ages of 12 months and two years should be immunised if the risk of typhoid fever is considered high. Immunisation is not recommended for children under one year of age. When children are too young to benefit fully from typhoid vaccination, scrupulous attention to personal, food and water hygiene measures should be exercised by the caregiver.
Following a single dose of an injectable or a complete course of oral typhoid vaccine, reinforcing immunisation should be offered at three-year intervals for those at continued risk.
Stay protected against Typhoid in Ealing today!
One dose at £25 (Brand: Typhim Vi)
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