How does typhoid affect the body

This may be because their immune system the body's natural defence against infection and illness is still developing. Typhoid fever is uncommon in the UK, with around infections confirmed each year. Most of these people became infected while visiting relatives in Bangladesh, India or Pakistan. But you're also at risk if you visit Asia, Africa or South America. As the infection progresses, you may lose your appetite, feel sick, and have a tummy ache and diarrhoea.

Some people may develop a rash. If typhoid fever isn't treated, the symptoms will continue to get worse over the following weeks and the risk of developing potentially fatal complications will increase.

Read more about the symptoms of typhoid fever and the complications of typhoid fever. Typhoid fever requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. If typhoid fever is diagnosed early, the infection is likely to be mild and can usually be treated at home with a 7- to day course of antibiotic tablets. More severe typhoid fever usually requires admission to hospital so antibiotic injections can be given. With prompt antibiotic treatment, most people will start to feel better within a few days and serious complications are very rare.

If typhoid fever isn't treated, it's estimated that up to 1 in 5 people with the condition will die. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. How does typhoid fever affect the body?

Diana Meeks on behalf of Sigma Nursing. Family Practitioner. What is tracheitis? Diana Meeks. Typhoid is found throughout the world, but is more likely to occur in areas where there is poor sanitation and hygiene. High-risk areas include:. In particular, typhoid vaccination is recommended for those who will be staying or working with local people and those who will have frequent or prolonged exposure to conditions where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor.

Therefore, it is especially important that you are vaccinated if you are visiting these countries. There are also combined typhoid and hepatitis A injections available for people aged or older. However, some people prefer to have the Ty21a vaccine because it does not require an injection. As the Ty21a vaccine contains a live sample of Salmonella typhi bacteria, it is not suitable for people who have a weakened immune system the body's natural defence against infection and illness , such as people with HIV.

It is also not usually recommended for children under six, whereas children can have the Vi vaccine from two years of age. The protective effect of the Vi vaccine will last for around three years, after which a follow-up booster vaccination will be required.

The Ty21a vaccine will last for around one year before a booster dose is required. Ideally, the typhoid vaccine should be given at least one month before you travel but, if necessary, it can be given closer to your travel date. After having the typhoid fever vaccine, some people experience temporary soreness, redness, swelling or hardness at the injection site. Less common side effects include:. Dominic Aguiar developed typhoid during a trip to India.

He says it was lack of planning that caused the infection. The last trip, during the Christmas holidays, was more ambitious as it included a visit to Delhi. If I'd thought about it or consulted an expert, I could have had the vaccination. Dominic doesn't know exactly where he was infected with typhoid fever, but it was almost certainly during a stay in a Delhi hotel.

By the time he got back to London two weeks later, he was already ill, vomiting and with diarrhoea and a fever that came and went. I was sharing a flat with a couple and I was on my own all day while they were out at work.

I had the sweats and no appetite at all and probably lost about 10kg in weight. Initially, Dominic thought it was a case of food poisoning. It was quite frightening but I was just too ill to do anything about it. I finally went to a hospital casualty department and they took a stool sample. I had to wait for three or four days for the result.

When I was diagnosed with typhoid, I was really shocked. Once Dominic was put on antibiotics, the typhoid cleared up and he didn't have to spend time in hospital. I knew I was travelling in areas where typhoid is a risk for tourists, but for some reason I assumed I would be safe.

I haven't been back to India so haven't organised a vaccination yet. I feel lucky to have survived without long-term problems. Listeria listeriosis is a foodborne illness that usually develops when you eat contaminated food. It can be dangerous, so how should you avoid it? Discover the facts about typhoid vaccines. Vomiting and diarrhoea? Discover the symptoms and treatment for both, so you can sta Staphylococcal infections are a group of infections caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus.

You may have heard them referred to as staph infections. Tuberculosis TB is a curable bacterial infection spread by inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice.

You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health. Home Health library Bacterial infections summary Typhoid fever.

Medically reviewed All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. In this article. Introduction Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting many organs. Who is affected Due to the way the infection is spread, typhoid fever is most common in parts of the world that have poor levels of sanitation and limited access to clean water.

How typhoid fever is treated Typhoid fever requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. Typhoid fever vaccination Vaccination is recommended for anyone who is planning to travel to parts of the world where the typhoid is widespread, particularly if you are planning to live or work closely with local people.

Symptoms The symptoms of typhoid fever usually develop one or two weeks after a person becomes infected with the Salmonella typhi bacteria. With treatment, the symptoms of typhoid fever should quickly improve within three to five days. If you become ill while travelling abroad, you can get help by: contacting a representative of the travel company you booked with contacting your travel insurer contacting the British consulate in the area you are visiting or, if you are feeling very ill, the local emergency services Before you travel, it is a good idea to make a list of relevant contact details and telephone numbers in case of an emergency.

Diarrhoea is the passing of frequent watery stools when you go to the toilet. A fever is when you have a high body temperature over 38C or Causes Typhoid fever is caused by a type of bacteria called Salmonella typhi. How the infection spreads When someone with the infection has a bowel movement, they may pass stools faeces that contain the Salmonella typhi bacteria. Other ways typhoid fever can be contracted include: using a toilet contaminated with bacteria and touching your mouth before washing your hands eating seafood from a water source contaminated by infected faeces or urine having oral or anal sex with a person who is a carrier of Salmonella typhi bacteria see below Carriers Up to 1 in every 20 people who survive typhoid fever without being treated will become carriers of the infection.

How the bacteria affect the body After a person eats or drinks food or liquid contaminated with the Salmonella typhi bacteria, the bacteria will move down into their digestive system. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue in the centre of bones that produces blood cells. Diarrhoea is the passing of frequent watery stools.

Diagnosis You should see your doctor if you think you have typhoid fever, particularly if you have recently returned from travelling abroad.

To help diagnose the condition, your doctor will want to know if: you have travelled to parts of the world where the infection is present you have been in close contact with someone who has travelled to these areas Areas of the world where the infection is most common include Africa, the Indian subcontinent, south east Asia, and South America. Testing for typhoid fever A diagnosis of typhoid fever can usually be confirmed by analysing samples of blood, stools or urine and examining them under a microscope for the Salmonella typhi bacteria that cause the condition.

The bacteria are not always detected the first time, so you may need to have a series of tests. Treatment Typhoid fever can usually be successfully treated with a course of antibiotic medication.

Treatment at home If typhoid fever is diagnosed in its early stages, a course of antibiotic tablets may be prescribed for you.