A bacterial infection that comes flowing with the waterworks, typhoid fever reports 108-970 cases per 100,000 people, of those above 15 years and older, in India. Typhoid is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Typhi, and once this bacteria enters the human body, it spreads like wildfire. In this blog, we will explore the main reason for typhoid fever and the different symptoms of typhoid. You will also learn some treatment methods, recognize the positive signs of recovery from typhoid fever, and keep yourself safe during an epidemic.
How Common is Typhoid Fever?
The symptoms of typhoid are endemic during the monsoons. Largely, typhoid fever is common in those areas that lack proper sanitation and hygiene, and have poor access to clean water. Regular health check-ups in the community by the government or NGOs can help prevent the occurrence of disease by educating people on hygiene practices to incorporate.
People can still carry the bacteria in their gallbladder for about a year even after signs of recovery from typhoid fever. They might then spread it through their feces.
Know the Symptoms of Typhoid
Diagnosis of typhoid is typically done using blood or stool tests. But at first, typhoid fever is also diagnosed by evaluating some common symptoms of typhoid, which include:
Headache: Headache and dizziness are common symptoms of typhoid. Headaches can range from mild to severe but mostly it is severe and continues for a long time during a typhoid fever.
Loss of appetite: Sustained fever brings in loss of appetite. Other symptoms of typhoid along with loss of appetite are weakness and fatigue. A loss of appetite also causes weight loss. So these symptoms of typhoid drain a person physically and emotionally.
Stomach Pain: Abdominal pain is persistently experienced by those infected with the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. In intense conditions, typhoid can lead to gastrointestinal perforation and hemorrhage.
Muscle aches: Muscle aches, and pain in the joints are all symptoms of typhoid that increase along with the gradual weakening of the body.
Nausea and Vomiting: Diarrhea, constipation, and respiratory issues all cause more fatigue and are the commonly associated symptoms of typhoid.
There are usually three stages of typhoid fever. During the initial phase of typhoid, there are only mild symptoms that are prevalent. The week following the mild symptoms brings more of it and in a severe way. If left untreated even after this, that is by the third week, the body can start to give up. The convalescent period is when after taking proper treatment the patient starts to recover. Some may even still feel weak.
Causes of Typhoid Fever
The main reason for typhoid is the bacteria that causes the fever and spreads through contaminated water and food. It is also spread through direct contact with an individual who has been infected by the bacteria. Unhygienic practices are how typhoid fever mainly spreads through food.
Treatment and Prevention of Typhoid Fever
Treatment:
- The recommended way to treat typhoid is by antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
- Along with antibiotics, natural home remedies like drinking a lot of fluids, consuming good nutritious light food that is easily digestible, and avoiding heavy, spicy, and oily foods can help treat typhoid.
- Drinking plenty of herbal teas and using garlic in your food can help build immunity.
- In severe cases, typhoid fever, if not treated properly, can lead to even death, so make sure you get good rest and consider all the right treatment methods to completely cure yourself of the disease.
- With proper treatment, signs of recovery from typhoid can be noticed. Fever starts to decrease, and as that happens there is an increase in appetite. The body starts to find strength again. Other signs of recovery from typhoid include a decline in gastrointestinal symptoms, reduced muscle aches and body aches, and an overall increase in energy.
Prevention:
- First of all, to prevent the spread of the main reason for typhoid – the bacteria during peak seasonal times, one must practice good hygiene, and wash your hands frequently with the proper method.
- Avoid street foods that are not prepared with precaution.
- Raw or undercooked foods can sometimes be contaminated and cause typhoid. So have meals that are cooked properly.
- Dispose of your waste properly to prevent the spread of bacteria. It is important to educate people about public health and raise awareness too.
- Typhoid vaccines are provided by the government. In corporations, medical rooms and an occupational health center in factories and docks also provide vaccinations. This is the most effective way to prevent typhoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the stages of typhoid fever?
There are four stages through which a typhoid fever progresses. In the beginning stage, there may be symptoms of fever, headache and body pain. Then in the second week or third, there might be continued fever, more pain and gastrointestinal problems. The existing symptoms can worsen in the following third or fourth week. Then if the treatment is going on, the symptoms start decreasing in this convalescent period. The recovery from a typhoid fever can take very long.
How long can a typhoid infection spread?
A typhoid infection can spread as long as the bacteria remains in the infected person’s stool or urine. This can last for months, even after the other symptoms have gone.
What are the typical symptoms of typhoid fever?
Headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach ache and loss of appetite are some typical symptoms of typhoid fever.
How is typhoid fever diagnosed?
A typhoid fever is diagnosed and confirmed using blood tests.
How effective are typhoid vaccines in preventing the disease?
Although typhoid vaccines help in preventing the fever up to a great extent, it is not completely reliable. You should always practice good hygiene and stay safe, avoid raw, undercooked foods and also street foods during the monsoons.
Conclusion
Seek proper medical attention as soon as the symptoms start showing. Take proper medications and most importantly be mindful of the ways of prevention and prevent the spread of the disease during vulnerable times.