Are you afraid of typhoid fever? Let's talk about it simply!

Have you been feeling unwell for a few days, with a high fever and a stomach ache? Do you feel like you don't have any appetite or a headache? At times like these, we just think it's a normal viral fever. However, this could also be the beginning of Typhoid Fever. Don't worry. Today, we'll talk about what typhoid is, how it develops, and what to do about it in a clear and simple way.

Simply put, what is typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called `Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi)` . This bacteria mainly affects our small intestines (intestines). This is why symptoms such as high fever and stomach cramps occur. Typhoid fever is also called enteric fever .

You may have also heard of paratyphoid fever. It is a similar disease, but it is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Paratyphi (S. Paratyphi). Its symptoms are slightly milder than typhoid.

But remember one thing: The bacteria that cause typhoid are completely different from the Salmonella bacteria that we all know, which usually causes food poisoning.

Who is most likely to get this disease?

Typhoid fever is a common disease in developing countries, especially in rural areas with poor sanitation. It is most common in South Asia (including Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America.

Children are more at risk of developing typhoid than adults, so you should be especially careful if you have young children in your home.

What are the symptoms of typhoid?

The main symptom of typhoid fever is, as the name suggests, a high fever. If left untreated, this fever can last for weeks. It starts with a low fever in the early days, and then gradually increases day by day. This is called a "stepwise fever."

In addition to this main symptom, there are several other symptoms. Let's see what they are.

How does this disease spread to us?

Typhoid fever is mainly spread by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria `S. Typhi`. For example, if a typhoid patient goes to the toilet and prepares food without washing his hands properly, or if you touch food that you eat, the bacteria can enter your body.

In places like our country, one of the main ways this can be spread is through contaminated water. If contaminated water mixed with feces gets into drinking water sources, if you drink that water, or if you wash vegetables and fruits with that water, this disease can easily spread.

Can the disease be transmitted even if there are no symptoms?

Yes. This is the most dangerous thing about typhoid. Some people can still have the `S. Typhi` bacteria in their bodies even after they have completely recovered from typhoid, without any symptoms. We call these people "long-term carriers" . These people shed this bacteria into the environment with their feces. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that you do not infect anyone else even after you have recovered from the disease.

There are four stages of typhoid fever.

If left untreated, typhoid fever can progress to four stages. However, if antibiotics are started early , the disease can be controlled without going into these stages.

• Stage 1: Symptoms begin to appear between 5 and 14 days after the germ enters the body. The first symptom is a fever that increases day by day. At this point, the bacteria are entering your bloodstream.
• Stage 2: Around the second week of the flu, bacteria begin to multiply in the Peyer's patches, which are part of your immune system, in your intestines. This causes symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation. Some people also develop the "rose spots" mentioned earlier.
• Stage 3: If left untreated, by the third week after symptoms begin, the bacteria can cause serious damage. Serious complications such as internal bleeding from the intestines and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) can occur.
• Stage 4: Most people begin to recover at this point. The high fever begins to subside. However, even if you have no symptoms, the S. Typhi bacteria can still live in your gallbladder. This means that you can still spread the disease to someone else after you get better.

How does the doctor diagnose this? What is the treatment?

When you go to see a doctor, he will ask you about your symptoms and any recent travel history. Then he will examine you. If he suspects typhoid, he will order several tests to confirm it.

Tests to diagnose the disease

• Blood test: Checks for the presence of the bacteria `S. Typhi` in the blood.
• Stool test: A stool sample is tested for the presence of bacteria.
• Urine test: A urine sample is checked for bacteria.
• Sometimes, you may also be asked to take a chest X-ray.

Treatment for typhoid

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics . Your doctor will determine the most appropriate antibiotic for you based on the type of typhoid bacteria you have and where you contracted the disease.

If the disease is severe or complications occur, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment. Sometimes, in addition to antibiotics, steroids such as dexamethasone may be given.

Antibiotic Resistance

This is a major health problem today. Some strains of `S. Typhi` bacteria have become resistant to some of the antibiotics we use. This means that the bacteria will not die even if you take that medicine. We call this condition antibiotic resistance . Some strains of typhoid (XDR typhoid) are resistant to many drugs. This is why it is very important to get a vaccine to protect yourself from typhoid.

How to avoid typhoid?

The best and most important way to protect yourself from typhoid fever is to get vaccinated . If you live in an area where typhoid is common, or if you are traveling to one, it is a good idea to get vaccinated. There are oral and injectable vaccines.

In addition, it is also essential to avoid unclean food and drinks.

• If you are sick, do not prepare food for others .
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after preparing food, before eating, and after using the toilet.
• Wash food preparation utensils and dishes thoroughly and keep them clean.
• If eating out, choose well-cooked, hot food or well-packaged food as much as possible.
• Do not drink water from unknown sources . Drink only boiled or bottled water.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

If you live in an area where typhoid is common or have recently traveled and you have symptoms of typhoid, such as fever and stomach pain, see a doctor immediately . The sooner you start treatment, the faster you can recover and avoid serious complications.

If you have the following severe symptoms, go to a hospital's ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately.

• Very high fever.
• Blood in the stool or black tarry stools.
• A very severe stomach ache.
• Bleeding when coughing or vomiting.
• Neurological symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, or seizures.

In conclusion, typhoid is not a disease to be feared, but it is not a disease to be taken lightly either . This disease can be completely cured with proper medical treatment and good hygiene.

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