Typhoid Fever: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention Tips

Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting several organs. Without proper treatment, typhoid can cause serious complications and even be fatal.

It is caused by a bacteria called “Salmonella typhi” which is also responsible for food poisoning. People infected with these bacteria can spread them to others through cross-contamination.

Find out how to spot the signs of a typhoid infection, its symptoms, causes, how it is spread, and the steps you can take to protect your family.

Typhoid fever symptoms

The main symptoms of typhoid fever include:

• High temperature
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• General aches and pains
• Weakness and fatigue
• Dry cough

Typhoid causes and how it spreads

Salmonella typhi can cause typhoid fever. This highly contagious bacteria can be found in the infected person’s feces and urine. 

If the infected person does not wash their hands after using the bathroom, they can spread the bacteria to surfaces and food they touch. As a result, anyone coming into contact with contaminated food or surfaces can also become infected.

This makes it very common in countries with poor sanitation, where human waste can find its way into food chain sources and drinking water - ultimately increasing the risk of various waterborne diseases.

Below are some other common ways through which typhoid can spread:

• Using a toilet and touching your face before washing your hands
• Eating seafood from a water source contaminated by infected poo or pee
• Eating raw vegetables that have been fertilized with human waste
• Consuming contaminated milk products
• Having oral or anal sex with a person who's a carrier of Salmonella typhi bacteria

How typhoid affects the body

Add content here to discuss how the Salmonella typhi bacteria affects the body, e.g., after the bacteria enters the body, it moves to the digestive system, where they quickly multiply. 

This triggers a high temperature, stomach pain, and constipation or diarrhea. Left untreated, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to other body areas.

This can cause typhoid fever symptoms to worsen during the weeks after infection.

If organs and tissues become damaged due to the infection, it can cause serious complications, such as internal bleeding or a section of the bowel splitting open.

How typhoid fever is diagnosed

Your healthcare provider/general physician will review your symptoms, medical history, and lab test results to diagnose typhoid fever. 

Therefore, it is crucial to let your doctor know if you’ve traveled recently or think you’ve been exposed to typhoid.

Typhoid fever testing

Typhoid fever is diagnosed by analyzing samples of blood, stool, urine, or bone marrow for the presence of Salmonella typhi bacteria. 

These samples are examined under a microscope to confirm the infection. If diagnosed, it is important to test other household members for the infection if it has been transmitted to them.

Typhoid treatment 

If caught early, typhoid symptoms will usually be mild and clear up within two weeks. However, roughly one in five cases of typhoid are fatal without treatment, while those surviving may have permanent physical or mental disabilities.

Typhoid treatment at home

A course of antibiotic tablets lasting 7-14 days is commonly prescribed for home treatment of typhoid fever. However, certain Salmonella typhi strains responsible for the infection have developed resistance to certain antibiotics. 

Laboratory testing of blood, stool, or urine samples taken during diagnosis helps identify the specific strain, enabling the use of an appropriate antibiotic for effective treatment.

Typically, symptoms improve within 2-3 days of starting antibiotics, but completing the full course to eradicate bacteria is crucial. 

In addition, you must ensure you rest, stay hydrated, eat regular meals, and maintain good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing, to minimize the spreading of the infection.

If your symptoms worsen or you develop new ones, contact your healthcare provider/general physician. 

Typhoid treatment at the hospital

Hospital admission is advised if you experience severe typhoid fever symptoms, such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, or abdominal swelling.

During hospitalization, treatment for typhoid fever often includes intravenous antibiotic injections and the administration of fluids and nutrients through an IV drip. 

Surgical intervention might be necessary in severe cases with life-threatening complications like internal bleeding or intestinal rupture.

While most individuals show positive progress within 3 to 5 days of hospital care, recovery may take several weeks before discharge is possible.

How to prevent typhoid fever

Here are some common methods to prevent and control typhoid fever.

• Get vaccinated because that will give you good protection from typhoid. Speak to your General Physician about the correct course of immunizations.
• Wash your hands with antibacterial soap or liquid hand wash for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing food, using the toilet, playing with your pet, returning from public places, etc. Carry a hand sanitizer for times when water and soap aren’t available.
• Be sure to abide by food safety and hygiene guidelines and cook your food thoroughly to eliminate harmful germs and bacteria.
• Drink boiled, bottled, or chemically disinfected water. Avoid drinking, washing food, or brushing your teeth with tap water unless it has been boiled. Drink bottled water where possible or water that has been chemically disinfected.

FAQs

How long does typhoid last?

Typhoid fever usually lasts 7 to 10 days if treated soon after symptoms appear. However, if left untreated, it can last up to three weeks or longer.

How long can a typhoid infection spread?

If a person still has typhoid bacteria in their feces, the infection can spread to others. Some people can carry the bacteria for months and, in some cases, indefinitely.

Can typhoid cause long-term effects?

If untreated, typhoid fever can lead to serious consequences, including delirium, mental dullness, intestinal bleeding, intestinal perforation, and even death within a month of infection. Survivors may also experience long-lasting or permanent neuropsychiatric complications.