Prevention of typhoid fever

Typhoid fever

There are a lot of people all over the world who do not know what typhoid fever actually is. A lot of people do not know what causes it. This fever is caused by a certain bacteria called Salmonella typhi bacteria. There are not many cases of this fever in industrialized countries. On the other hand, a lot of people are exposed to it and suffer from it in the developing countries. A person can get infected with this fever through contaminated water and food. A person can also get infected with typhoid fever if he or she gets in contact with a person who is already suffering from it. There are various signs and symptoms to this fever. In most cases, a person who is infected with these bacteria will experience high fever, headache, abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhea. Typhoid fever is usually treated with certain antibiotics. In most cases, people who take these antibiotics get better in a couple of days. However, in some rare cases, people may even die because of the complications which may occur. People should also know that there are vaccines available for this fever. However, these vaccines are only partly effective. It is usually the people who travel to areas where this fever is common that the vaccines are saved for.

Prevention

In places where this fever is most common, it is hard to achieve public goals which would prevent and control typhoid. Safe drinking water, improved sanitation and adequate medical care would drastically decrease the chance of risk of getting typhoid fever. This is why most experts think that it would be best for the high-risk populations to get vaccinated in order for the fever to be prevented. There are two vaccines which are being given in a period of several days but people need to know that they are not 100% effective.

A person who travels to the countries where typhoid fever is common should get vaccinated. Apart from that, he or she should make sure to follow a couple more guidelines. Washing the hands is essential. People should do this as often as possible. Drinking water which is not treated should be avoided. Contaminated water is one of the easiest ways to end up with this fever. Apart from water, people should also avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables. When eating, a person should always eat hot foods. Street vendors that sell food should be avoided because the chance of that food being contaminated is very high.