How typhoid spreads and what every parent needs to know
Typhoid is a serious illness that affects everyone, but children tend to be the most vulnerable due to poor hygiene practices and exposure to contaminated food and water. As a parent, it is important to understand how it spreads, how to prevent it and how to keep your children protected from it. In this article, we discuss typhoid infection, its prevention and control.
How does typhoid spread?
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. It enters the body through the mouth, usually when we consume contaminated food or water. Once inside the body, the Salmonella infection travels through the intestines, spreading through the bloodstream while invading the body and causing fever and other symptoms.
Some of the most common ways in which your child can contract typhoid are:
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating unhygienic street food, especially those that are served cold (like fruits, chaat, sweets, or snacks that have been kept displayed for a while)
- Consuming ice cream or ice ‘golas’ that are locally made and may contain unfiltered or contaminated water
- Consuming unsafe sugar cane juice or other fruit juices (with or without ice) from street vendors
Who are chronic carriers?
Sometimes, even after recovering from typhoid, some patients may continue to carry the bacteria in their gut without showing any symptoms. These individuals, known as ‘chronic carriers,’ can unknowingly spread the bacteria for years, infecting others. They pose a significant risk of typhoid transmission within the community.
Children may contract this infectious disease if they consume food prepared by a carrier in unhygienic conditions or if they come in indirect contact with a chronic carrier in places like schools.
What are the symptoms of typhoid?
- A gradually increasing fever, which may last for weeks
- Lethargy or dullness
- Vomiting, loose motions, or constipation
- Coughing
- In rare cases, a faint rash may appear on the chest
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. If left untreated, typhoid can lead to long-term complications.
Can typhoid spread from one child to another?
Unlike most infections, typhoid does not spread through direct or person-to-person contact. However, it can spread through indirect transmission, especially with poor sanitation. For instance, if an infected child goes to the washroom and does not wash his/her hands and then interacts with their siblings, or if they put their hands in their mouth, or eat food without washing their hands, they might be at risk of contracting the infection.
How to prevent typhoid?
To prevent typhoid from affecting your child, you can take a few simple preventive steps, like:
- Washing hands regularly, especially before cooking, serving food or eating.
- Teach them to always wash their hands after using the washroom.
- Teach them to avoid drinking untreated water. Drink only filtered or boiled water.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables properly, and cook all your meals thoroughly.
- If they are eating outside, don’t eat raw food. Eat fruits that can be peeled, like an orange or a banana, or food that is freshly made and served hot.
- Consider getting vaccinated since it is the best way to protect them from the disease.
How can typhoid vaccination protect me and my family?
Vaccination is the most effective way to stay protected from typhoid. Patients who have recovered from typhoid are also at a risk of relapsing. Natural infection does not give long-term and adequate immunity against typhoid. Vaccination is recommended to protect you against typhoid, even if you have already had the infection. It also keeps you protected against chronic carriers and helps to protect the community from outbreaks.
Children who have had typhoid should be vaccinated 4 to 6 weeks after recovery.
Conclusion
Typhoid is a serious yet preventable disease that spreads through contaminated food and water. By understanding how it spreads and taking proactive steps such as practising good hygiene, consuming safe food and water, and getting vaccinated, parents can significantly reduce the risk of infection for their children. Since typhoid can have long-term complications and chronic carriers may unknowingly spread the bacteria, staying vigilant is key. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against typhoid and its recurrence, ensuring a healthier and safer future for your loved ones.
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Disclaimer: A public awareness initiative by Bharat Biotech International Limited. This information is for general awareness only and does not constitute medical advice. The doctors, medical facilities and graphics shown are for illustrative purposes only. For any medical advice or any question or concern you may have regarding your condition, consult your doctor.