Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid is a serious disease, it is caused by Salmonella enterica serotype typhi bacteria. It is also spread by the Salmonella paratyphi bacterium! This bacteria enters people through water and food and through this it spreads to many people.

Typhoid is transmitted by drinking or eating contaminated water or food containing the causative bacteria. People with acute illness can potentially contaminate surrounding water supplies through feces, because it contains a high concentration of bacteria. The bacteria can survive for weeks in water or dry sewage.

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

• Headache
• fever up to 104 degrees
• body pain
• impaired appetite
• Getting nausea
• diarrhea and constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Cough

Symptoms can be cured in 3 to 5 days if treated in time, however, it can usually worsen over the course of a few weeks, and in some cases the complication of developing typhoid fever is a significant risk. Many people also experience chest congestion and abdominal pain. The fever settles down. Improvements can be seen in the third and fourth weeks in cases without complications. About 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 in time can lead to serious health problems and hence as they say prevention is better than cure 'it is better to be safe with primitive measures to remain unaffected by the virus that spreads typhoid. To stop the typhoid in the first place, you need to do the following :

• Vaccination: There are two vaccinations available that provide protection against typhoid. Talk to your doctor about the correct course of vaccination.
• Food Safety: Drinking boiled, bottled or chemically disinfected water: Unless it has been boiled before, avoid drinking, washing food or brushing your teeth with tap water. Drink bottled water where possible or that has been chemically sterilized. Avoid uncooked food. Make sure that whatever food you eat is thoroughly cooked to destroy any harmful germs.
• Ensure Hygiene: Always ensure that you keep your personal belongings, home and surroundings clean by using Dettol disinfectant liquid to avoid contact with typhoid bacteria.

Maintain good hand hygiene: Remember to wash your hands regularly with a germ protection solution like Germ Protection Handwash or Dettol bar soap.