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| Why You Should be Concerned About Typhoid |
One of the least heard of diseases in developed countries, typhoid has recently been making headlines due to the outbreak occurring in Texas. But what exactly is typhoid? How do you get it? What’s the best way to protect yourself from it? In this article, we look at all aspects of typhoid and why you should be concerned about it, especially if you travel frequently.
How you can get typhoid
This disease can affect people who travel to areas where it is common, including Africa, Asia and South America. Food and water that are contaminated with feces could carry typhoid, as well as those who live or work in crowded conditions, according to The Mayo Clinic. Be sure to wash your hands before eating or handling food and drink bottled water when traveling in a developing country. If you believe you have contracted typhoid while traveling abroad, call your health care provider immediately for instructions on treatment at home. In rare cases when not treated early on, typhoid can lead to complications that may include high fever and delirium.
Symptoms of typhoid
a fever of 38°C or higher, headache, and abdominal pain. However, while typhoid symptoms may be common in other diseases as well, they may also not occur at all. Infection can also lead to constipation, loss of appetite and vomiting.
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that’s spread through contact with food or water that contains typhoid bacteria. It can also spread through person-to-person contact and is generally considered endemic in areas of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Mexico. In some areas, one in every 200 people has typhoid. The disease is most common among people under 20 years old and travelers who have recently visited countries where it’s present. If you suspect you may have typhoid fever, talk to your doctor about making an appointment as soon as possible. He or she will assess your symptoms by taking a medical history and looking for signs of illness (like high temperature) during a physical examination.
Treatment for typhoid includes antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill bacteria, but they don’t kill viruses. If your doctor confirms that you have typhoid fever, it’s best to stay away from work and other people who could get sick. That way, you won’t infect others and expose them to health risks. If possible, ask a family member or friend to stay with you so you have help taking your medication or getting medical care when needed. Treatment usually lasts 7–10 days.
How to protect yourself from typhoid
typhoid is a serious disease caused by a bacterium, Salmonella typhoid. The typhoid bacteria live in contaminated food and water and are spread from person to person. They may enter your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes. To protect yourself from typhoid.
To protect yourself from typhoid you should try to keep your hands clean and eat a healthy diet. If you are traveling in a place where typhoid is common, it’s also important to avoid swallowing water when showering or swimming and make sure that food is properly cooked. If you live in an area where typhoid is common and become sick with fever, headache, abdominal pain or loss of appetite, contact your doctor as soon as possible. A vaccine exists for people at high risk of contracting typhoid; if you think that applies to you then talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.

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