Frequently asked questions

Symptoms

What are the common symptoms of typhoid fever?

The most common symptoms of typhoid are a persistent fever with a temperature increasing every day, headache, extreme fatigue, stomach ache and constipation or diarrhoea.^[1]

How soon do symptoms appear after infection?

It takes about 7 to 14 days for the symptoms of typhoid to appear in an infected person. However, in some cases, it can take as early as 3 days or as long as 2 months for the symptoms to develop.^[2]

Can typhoid fever cause long-term health problems?

If left untreated, typhoid fever can cause serious health complications, including intestinal bleeding or perforation. In severe cases, it can also affect other organs, including the brain.^[3,4]

Is typhoid fever the same as food poisoning?

Typhoid fever is caused by a type of bacteria called Salmonella typhi, which can spread through food. However, it is not the same as food poisoning. Typhoid is a potentially life-threatening disease that needs to be treated with timely and appropriate antimicrobials and prevented by WASH protocol and vaccination against typhoid, but food poisoning usually gets better within a week.^[5,6]

What complications can arise if typhoid is left untreated?

With timely intervention and proper treatment, typhoid fever can improve within a week. However, if left untreated, the symptoms can worsen and might require hospitalisation. Untreated patients can take weeks, or even months, to fully recover.^[1]

When should I see a doctor if I suspect typhoid?

Consult a doctor as soon as you think that you might have typhoid fever. If symptoms are persistent or worsen, hospitalisation might be necessary.^[7,8]

Prevention

How can I prevent typhoid?

You can prevent typhoid by washing your hands frequently and maintaining good hygiene along with vaccination. Consult your doctor to find out which vaccine is best for you.

Why is handwashing important in preventing typhoid?

If we don’t wash our hands with soap properly, especially after using the washroom or before eating a meal, the typhoid bacteria can easily move from the objects we touch to our mouths or to other people.^[9]

Can I get typhoid from unfiltered water?

Yes. Drinking unfiltered or water contaminated by Salmonella typhi bacteria increases the risk of typhoid infection.^[5]

What hygiene practices should I follow at home to prevent typhoid?

Follow these hygiene practices at home to reduce the risk of typhoid:

Wash your hands frequently with hot, soapy water.
Avoid drinking untreated/unfiltered water.
Make sure all your food is thoroughly cooked.
Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables that can’t be peeled or washed properly.
Consult your doctor to get vaccinated.^[10]

Can typhoid spread through casual contact with an infected person?

No, typhoid fever doesn’t spread through direct or casual contact with an infected person. But, if you come into contact with something they have touched, especially if they haven’t washed their hands after going to the washroom, you may be at risk of contracting typhoid.^[11]

How can proper sanitation help reduce typhoid infections?

The bacteria that causes typhoid spreads through human faeces and urine. In areas with poor sanitation, infected human waste can sometimes contaminate the water supply. People who drink this water or eat food washed in this water can develop typhoid.^[5]

What role does food safety play in preventing typhoid?

Since Salmonella typhi can spread through food or water, it is important to practice food safety. Here are some things you can follow:^[11]

Don’t cook food for others if you are sick with typhoid.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after cooking, serving, or eating food.
Clean all cooking surfaces and utensils thoroughly before and after preparing food.
While travelling, if you are unsure about the hygiene standards, especially with regards to food, try to eat food cooked in high temperatures or eat packaged food.
Don’t drink beverages made with untreated water or ice cubes.
If unsure, it is safest to drink boiled or bottled water.

Diagnosis & treatment

How is typhoid fever diagnosed?

Typhoid fever is diagnosed by testing a sample of your blood, stool, urine or bone marrow.^[12]

What are the common treatments for typhoid?

The most common treatment for typhoid is a course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. With proper treatment, symptoms should begin to improve within a few days. At home, you can make sure to eat and rest well and drink plenty of fluids.^[13] Reduce the chances of contracting typhoid fever by getting vaccinated today.

Do I need antibiotics to recover from typhoid?

Yes, antibiotics are essential for recovering from typhoid. Most people need to take a full course of 10 to 14 days. While your symptoms will show improvement within 6 to 7 days of taking antibiotics, it is very important that you finish the entire course as prescribed by the doctor.^[13]

How long does it take to recover from typhoid?

Once you start treatment for typhoid, you will start feeling better in a few days. It can take up to 10 days to feel completely recovered from the fever, and it might take even longer for the fatigue and weakness to subside. However, if you have complications or relapse, then recovery can take longer.^[11]

Can typhoid fever be treated at home, or is hospitalisation necessary?

Typhoid fever can be treated at home with antibiotics if diagnosed early. But if the symptoms are severe or there are complications, then you may need to be hospitalised.^[13]

What should I eat and drink while recovering from typhoid?

While recovering from typhoid fever, it is important to eat regular meals and drink a lot of fluids. You can eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than 3 large meals. Eat food that is freshly prepared and served hot. Avoid anything uncooked or at room temperature.^[10,13]

Vaccination

What are the different types of typhoid vaccines available?

There are two types of vaccines available for typhoid fever:^[14]

Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)
Vi Polysaccharide (Vi-PS)

How long does typhoid vaccine protection last?

Different vaccines have different protection capabilities. According to the WHO, TCV is preferred at all ages to prevent typhoid since it is more suitable for younger children and gives a longer expected period of protection.^[14] You can read more about typhoid vaccination here.

Are there any side effects of the typhoid vaccine?

While there are no serious side effects of the vaccine, some people experience a fever, pain and swelling at the site of the injection.^[15]

Is the typhoid vaccine safe for children?

TCV is considered the safest vaccine for children since it can be administered as young as 6 months of age. Vi-PS can be administered to children aged 2 years and above.^[15]

Where can I get vaccinated for typhoid?

To get vaccinated for typhoid, get in touch with your doctor today.

Travel precautions

What foods should I avoid when travelling to typhoid-endemic regions?

While travelling, avoid raw fruits and vegetables, especially those that cannot be washed or peeled. Avoid unsafe seafood, raw eggs and unpasteurised dairy products. Avoid drinking unfiltered water and ask for beverages without ice.^[10]

How can I ensure safe drinking water while travelling?

Drink boiled or bottled water or mineral water while travelling.^[10]

Is it safe to eat street food while travelling?

It is best to avoid street food while travelling. However, if necessary, choose freshly cooked, steaming hot food over cold or raw options.^[10]

What hygiene practices should I follow during my trip?

Make sure to wash your hands frequently. Carry soap with you, and wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating. If you don’t have soap, an alcohol-based sanitiser can be used.^[10]

What should I do if I develop typhoid symptoms while travelling?

If you fall sick and develop typhoid symptoms while travelling, consult a doctor as soon as possible, even if you are already vaccinated.^[1]

How can I prevent bringing typhoid back home after my trip?

To prevent bringing typhoid back home after your trip, make sure to maintain a good standard of personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, avoid eating raw or uncooked food and drinks made with unfiltered water. Getting vaccinated is also strongly recommended if you are travelling to areas where hygiene and sanitation tend to be poor. ^{[13,10, 16]}

Resources

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.