| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 01/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 71 |
| Copyright: Other |
What is typhoid?
Typhoid is caused by a variation of the salmonella bacteria. Most types of this bacteria cause food poisoning and local infection, however the typhi variant is able to invade the whole body and causes a systemic infection.
How do I catch it?
Typhoid is spread by the faecal-oral route. This usually happens when food or drink has been contaminated with human faeces. This could for example happen with shellfish contaminated through a sewage outfall pipe discharging into the sea or through food handlers not washing their hands after having used the toilet.
What are the symptoms of typhoid?
Typhoid is a serious illness causing high fever and collapse. You may also suffer vomiting, headaches, confusion, coughing and general weakness. It can take from one to three weeks for the symptoms to appear, depending on how infectious the source of the typhoid was. About 10% of people affected will continue to pass infected faeces for up to three months after the initial symptoms and 2%-5% may become carriers for life.
What part of the world is affected?
Typhoid is mainly found in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Travellers should be wary though of anywhere that has poor sanitation or food hygiene standards.
What vaccination do I need?
You should have a typhoid vaccination at least 10 days before you travel.
Do I need more than one injection and does it hurt?
You will only require one injection. This will last you for three years. The injection is given into the top of your arm. About 20% of people will get a slight redness, hotness and soreness at the site of the injection lasting for two to three days afterwards. A small number may also get headaches, feel sick or feel generally under the weather with flu-like symptoms for a couple of days. These effects are usually mild and do not last very long.
What else should I know?
The vaccine is not 100% effective so travellers should pay close attention to personal hygiene and food and water hygiene. The typhoid vaccine may also cause problems to people who are already taking some types of anti-malarial drugs. You should check this with your GP or travel clinic. Pregnant women and very young children need to be assessed carefully before having the vaccine.
General advice
If you become unwell you should seek immediate medical advice.