Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, Salmonella enterica, or Salmonella paratyphi. In developed countries, it is a rare disease. However, in underdeveloped countries, it is still prevalent. The main source of typhoid infection is drinking contaminated water. Through the fecal-oral route, it can be transmitted from one person to another.
Typhoid fever needs to be treated on time. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications, especially in children. For its treatment, the healthcare provider will give you antibiotics. Now you can also get a vaccine for it. However, it is reserved for typhoid prevalent areas. For more information, visit the Best General Physician in Lahore.
What are the Symptoms of a Typhoid Fever?
It may take around three weeks for typhoid fever to show its symptoms. The early signs and symptoms of typhoid fever are:
- Fever- body temperature up to 104.9 degrees Fahrenheit
- Weight loss due to decreased appetite
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Muscle ache and fatigue
- Headache
- Sweating
- Dry cough
- Extremely swollen stomach
Typhoid, if left untreated can lead to the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Typhoid state- a condition in which the person lies exhausted and motionless with half eyes open.
What are the Causes of Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid is caused by bacteria, known as Salmonella typhi, Salmonella enterica, or Salmonella paratyphi.
From human carriers, it can be spread to water and then to another human being.
Typhoid can spread through:
Fecal oral route
The most common route of typhoid transmission is through the fecal-oral route. The person infected with typhoid contains the bacterial strain in their stool. If that person does not wash hands properly after using the toilet, they can transmit it to others. Most commonly, it happens when the infected person cooks or touches the food that the healthy person may eat.
You may think you have washed your hands properly after using the toilet. But if you have long nails, the bacterial strain can reside in it, which you can not see from your naked eyes. Therefore it is best to have short nails that can be cleaned easily. Make sure that you or anyone who cooks food washes their hands properly with soap and running water before cooking it.
Who are Carriers of Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever carriers means people who do not have any symptoms, but their body contains bacteria that causes it. In this state, you can transmit to others. You can even become a typhoid carrier if you complete the antibiotic course. You may not know about it, and you can transmit it to others. Therefore if you have symptoms or not, make sure that you wash your hands properly.
What are the Risk Factors for Typhoid Fever?
The risk factors for typhoid fever are:
- If you live or travel to areas that where typhoid is prevalent
- You are a microbiologist and handle the samples of typhoid
- Living close to the person who has got or recovering from typhoid
- You drink contaminated water
What are the Complications of Typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever needs to be treated immediately. If left untreated, it can lead to various complications, such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sepsis
How Can You Prevent Typhoid Fever?
You can prevent the spread of typhoid fever by exercising the following tips:
- Wash your hands properly with soap and running water after using the toilet and before cooking food
- Do not touch food with unwashed hands
- Drink clean water
- If you live in a typhoid prevalent area, do not drink water from everywhere. Before drinking, makes sure that it is boiled.
- Avoid eating uncooked food or raw vegetables and fruits
- If you live in a typhoid prevalent area, get yourself vaccinated against it.
You should not take the symptoms of typhoid lightly. If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, visit a healthcare provider. For expert opinion can visit the Best General Physician in Islamabad.
