What to do if you get typhoid fever? Let's find out exactly what to do!

Do you remember a time when you ate a lot of food for a day or two, and then you felt weak for a few days, and you had a constant fever and body aches? Or a time when you drank water from an unknown place and then developed a fever and stomach ache? We are not without such experiences. Often, one of the suspects behind such symptoms is typhoid fever . Since this is an infection that can be quite serious, it is very important to be aware of it. So let's talk about this typhoid fever today.

What exactly is typhoid fever?

Simply put, typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by the bacteria ` Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi` . It is also sometimes called enteric fever. There is also a condition called paratyphoid fever, which is caused by another related bacteria (`Salmonella serotype Paratyphi`), but it is not as severe as typhoid.

The main way this disease is spread is through contaminated food and water . Imagine, if a person with typhoid goes to the toilet and doesn't wash their hands thoroughly with soap, the bacteria will remain on their hands. Then, if those hands are used to prepare food or touch a glass of water, the bacteria will be added to the food and water. So, if you eat or drink something that is contaminated, the bacteria will enter your body. This bacteria can live in water or dry feces for weeks.

This disease is common in South Asian countries like Sri Lanka. Young children in particular are more likely to contract the disease than adults.

Are Typhoid and Typhus the same thing?

Yes, these two names sound similar, but these two diseases are caused by two types of bacteria . Because the symptoms are similar, people used to think that they were the same disease. But typhoid is spread through contaminated food and water. Typhus is spread by insects like fleas that live on the bodies of animals like rats and pigs. So don't confuse the two.

What are the symptoms of typhoid? When should I see a doctor?

Symptoms usually begin to appear within one to three weeks after the bacteria enters the body. It is very important to recognize these symptoms correctly.

How is the disease diagnosed and treated?

After hearing about your symptoms and where you've recently been (especially foreign travel), your doctor may suspect that it could be typhoid. They will run several tests to confirm that suspicion.

Diagnosis

The main tests are culture tests , which involve growing bacteria in a sample taken from you and looking at it under a microscope.

• Blood culture: This is the most common and accurate test.
• Stool culture: Testing a stool sample.
• Other: Sometimes urine or bone marrow samples may also be tested.

In addition, tests such as the Widal test, which checks for antibodies produced in the body against the typhoid bacteria, are also performed.

Treatment methods

It is essential to take the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor for the full prescribed period without missing a single day . Do not stop taking the medication just because your fever has subsided in two or three days. If you do, the bacteria may not be completely destroyed, but may become resistant to the medication (antibiotic resistance). This will make it much harder to cure the disease.

If you are seriously ill and have conditions like vomiting and diarrhea, you may need to be hospitalized and given saline and antibiotics in the form of injections.

Things to eat and not to eat when you have typhoid

It's normal to lose your appetite when you have this disease. But because the body needs energy, it's important to eat easily digestible, nutritious foods .

• Good things to eat: Well-cooked rice, steamed vegetables (like potatoes and carrots), lentil soup, chicken soup, yogurt, ripe bananas, white bread. The most important thing is to drink as much clean water (boiled) or Jeevani solution as possible.
• Things not to eat: Oily, spicy, and fried foods, fibrous foods (whole grains), raw salads, cabbage, and spicy foods are not suitable for these days. These are difficult to digest and can cause stomach upset.

Prevention is the best! How can we protect ourselves?

Typhoid fever is a disease that is directly related to our cleanliness and eating habits. So, if you follow these simple habits, staying safe from it is not that difficult.

• Hand washing: Before eating and after using the toilet, wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds . This is the most important thing.
• Clean water: Always drink only boiled or bottled water. If you drink water from outside, do not put ice cubes in it. The ice may have been made from dirty water.
• Safe food: Always eat well-cooked, hot food. Avoid eating food sold by the roadside, in fly-traps, or not properly covered.
• Eat raw: If you eat fruit, remove the skin. Eat raw vegetables like salads only from a trusted source during times like these.
• Beware of carriers: Some people carry the bacteria in their bodies even after they recover from typhoid without showing any symptoms. They are called carriers . They can spread the disease to others. Therefore, it is important to take care of the cleanliness of those who prepare food.
• Vaccine:If you are traveling to a country where typhoid is common, getting a typhoid vaccine beforehand can reduce your risk of contracting the disease. Talk to your doctor about this.