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Getting vaccinated

What you should know

Typhoid

What is Typhoid?

Typhoid is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. Illness is usually characterised by fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and change in bowel habit. Constipation is common, but diarrhoea can also occur. Without treatment, the illness can be fatal, with perforation of the gut producing peritonitis or severe bleeding. Transmission is by ingesting contaminated food and water. Contamination is most likely when cooked food is handled or left unrefrigerated.

Typhoid is prevalent in most tropical and subtropical countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and Central and South America.

Prevention

As well as the typhoid vaccine, simple food and water precautions are recommended.

Typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers to the above-mentioned regions, particularly for those staying more than two weeks in areas of poor or uncertain sanitation. The typhoid vaccine is available in an injectable form, which lasts for 3 years. All the vaccines, including typhoid vaccination services, are available at Travel Vaccination Health Care.

Typhoid can be treated with antibiotics for 10 to 14 days.

*This information is to be used as a guide only. Medical advice is recommended to individuals depending on their medical history, previous vaccination history and their itinerary.