How to recognize and prevent typhoid fever: 8 steps

2023 Author: Martin Macey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 06:41

Typhoid fever is a serious life threat; it is a disease caused by bacteria and transmitted from one person to another by infected individuals. Globally, this disease is common in non-industrialized countries, where sanitation is a little more than imperfect, and clean and treated water is in short supply.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Recognizing Typhoid Fever Symptoms

Step 1. The primary symptom of typhoid fever is a constant high temperature of 39 to 40 degrees

Secondary symptoms include headache, malaise, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, an enlarged spleen, a rash with flat, pinkish patches, and an uncharacteristically slow heart rate - typically less than 60 beats per minute. Other mild, atypical infections may also occur.

Step 2. The only way to be sure that the symptoms that have arisen relate specifically to typhoid fever is to analyze the stool and blood

Step 3. See your doctor immediately if you suspect you are experiencing this disease

Method 2 of 2: Preventing typhoid fever

Step 1. When traveling to countries where typhoid fever is common, eat only safely prepared foods

Take the following precautions to ensure that contaminated food does not enter your stomach:

• Of the prepared foods, eat only those that have been thoroughly and completely cooked / fried / baked and served to you so hot that they give off steam.

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• Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. Vegetables like lettuce are easily contaminated and can be difficult to wash well.

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• Wash and skin the fruit yourself.

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• Beware of food and drink from street vendors. It is difficult to keep food clean outside.

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Step 2. Make sure you only drink water from a clean, unblemished source

• If you drink water, it should be bottled water or boiled water (for safety, the water should boil for at least 1 minute). Bottled sparkling water is safer than non-carbonated water.
• Even ice can be contaminated, so discard it or make sure it is made with bottled or boiled water.

Step 3. Get vaccinated against typhoid fever if traveling to or through areas where it is common or possible

Step 4. Vaccination DOES NOT GIVE 100% GUARANTEE

To be safe, get vaccinated, and at the same time consume only safe food and water - this will allow you to protect yourself from typhoid fever.

Step 5. Two forms of vaccination are practiced in the world - in capsules for oral administration and intramuscular injection

Both forms are equally effective, but the duration of their action is significantly different. In the Russian Federation, injection is a common form of vaccination.

• The vaccine in the form of oral capsules has a longer lasting effect. One capsule every two days for a total of 8 days and 4 capsules. This form of vaccination provides protection for 5 years.

  The period of taking the drug must be completed 1 week before the trip

• Another option, a shorter-term one, is an intramuscular injection (shot), which will provide protection for 2 years.

  Vaccinations must be completed 2 weeks before travel

Advice

1. Do not vaccinate at the last minute, it takes 2 weeks to take effect.

2. Try to find out as early as possible if there is a risk of typhoid fever where you are or where you plan to travel.

   Warnings

   1. Vaccination is 50-80% effective in preventing typhoid fever, so take all possible precautions. do not rely entirely on vaccinations.

   2. Vaccination is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

   3. Vaccination is contraindicated for pregnant women.