Table of Contents
The World Health Organization estimates that 1 million people contract typhoid fever every year, and about 500,000 die from it. Typhoid fever is endemic in the Philippines and is responsible for an estimated 1,000 deaths each year. The Philippines has developed a good surveillance system for typhoid fever symptoms and has been able to implement effective prevention measures such as sewage treatment plants and safe drinking water supplies. However, continued efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of typhoid fever in the Philippines.
What Exactly Is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is most common in developing countries such as the Philippines, where it can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Typhoid fever can be fatal in up to 50% of cases, though treatment with antibiotics typically results in a cure.
What Bacteria Causes Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid fever is most commonly spread it to others through contact with fecal matter, such as vomit or diarrhea, from an infected person. The disease can also spread typhoid through contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with the bacterium.
Risk factors for typhoid fever include traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common, eating contaminated food or water, and being immunocompromised (having reduced immunity).
What is salmonella typhi bacterium?
Salmonella typhi is a bacteria that causes typhoid fever. It is transmitted through contaminated food or water and can cause severe illness. Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Treatment for typhoid fever includes antibiotics and rest.
What are the Different Types of Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It can be fatal in high enough doses, especially to young children and the elderly. There are three main types of typhoid fever: enteric, endemic, and epidemic.
Enteric typhoid fever
Enteric typhoid is the most common type and is caused by eating contaminated food or drinking water contaminated with the bacterium.
Endemic typhoid fever
Endemic typhoid is caused by a particular strain of S. Typhi that lives in certain parts of the world, such as parts of Asia and Africa.
Epidemic typhoid fever
Epidemic typhoid is caused by a widespread outbreak of S. Typhi.
All three types are serious, but enteric typhoid can be particularly deadly because it can spread rapidly through crowded areas.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Typhoid Fever?
Symptoms of typhoid fever usually start about 12 hours after you are exposed to the bacteria. The most common symptoms of typhoid fever are:
1. Fever
- Body aches
3. Headache
4. Diarrhea
Develop symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
What are the Complications of Typhoid Fever?
There are a few complications that can occur when someone contracts Typhoid Fever. One of the most common complications is a blockage of the intestine, which can lead to serious intestinal problems and even death. Other complications can include:
- meningitis
- diarrhea and stomach pain
- liver and kidney failure
If left untreated, typhoid fever can be fatal in up to 25% of cases.
How is Typhoid Fever Diagnosed (Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever)?
To diagnose typhoid fever, a doctor in the Philippines will typically perform a series of tests to determine the extent of the infection. These tests may include a blood test to measure how many antibodies are present in the bloodstream, a chest x-ray to look for signs of pneumonia, and a stool sample to determine the presence of Salmonella Typhi. If left untreated, typhoid fever can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia and death.
- A blood test to measure the level of antibodies in the blood
-
A stool test to look for the presence of bacteria that can cause typhoid fever
-
A radiograph (x-ray) of the chest to look for signs of pneumonia
-
A sputum test to look for the presence of typhoid bacteria that can cause typhoid fever
How is Typhoid Fever Treated (Vaccines & Oral)?
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that is spread through contact with contaminated water or food. There are several available treatments for typhoid fever, but the most common is antibiotics. Treatment usually includes taking antibiotics for a period of time, usually 14 days. If the person has a serious Typhoid Fever complication such as meningitis, they may need to stay in the hospital for more than a week and may require surgery or intensive care.
Brand of antibiotics used to treat typhoid fever?
- Amoxicillin is the most common antibiotic treatment used for typhoid fever.
What is the Cure if You Get Typhoid Fever?
There is no cure for typhoid fever, but there are several treatment options available. Treatment options may include antibiotics, stomach lavage (a procedure in which fluid and debris are removed from the stomach), and fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy. Dehydration is a common complication of typhoid fever and can lead to serious health problems such as kidney failure. Therefore, it is important for patients to drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinking too much bottled water or alcohol.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience fever, chills, shortness of breath, or vomiting. Typhoid fever can be very dangerous if not treated quickly and properly. If you are concerned about your health and have symptoms of typhoid fever, please consult your Filipino doctor immediately.
Home Remedies: Treatment of Typhoid Fever at Home
There are several home remedies that can be used to treat typhoid fever.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help with hydration.
-
Take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor in the Philippines.
-
Rest and avoid stress.
-
Eat light and fresh foods to avoid getting sick.
-
Stay away from people who are sick.
How to Prevent Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can be life-threatening. It’s caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which is found in contaminated food and water. You can prevent typhoid fever by following these guidelines:
- Avoid raw foods entirely or eating undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or unpasteurized milk products. Drink only bottled water if you live in or are traveling in high-risk areas. Avoid food from street vendors if you are traveling since food handlers are unhygienic, and this usually causes flu-like symptoms and fever.
-
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often and avoid touching your face, mouth, and nose. Sanitation is the key.
-
If you travel to areas where typhoid fever is common, take the following precautions: cook food properly, avoid drinking water from lakes or streams, and use safe sex practices to prevent getting typhoid fever from an infected partner.
-
Get vaccinated against it. A typhoid vaccine is important for Filipinos who travel to areas where typhoid fever is common.
-
Include fruits and vegetables in your diet.
When to Visit a Filipino Doctor?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or someone who has typhoid fever, consult a Filipino doctor immediately: symptoms start with sudden onset of high fever (38-40°C), severe headache, neck stiffness or tenderness; abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting; diarrhea that is bloody or watery; difficulty breathing; clay-colored stools; or rash on trunk or face. In addition to antibiotics prescribed by your doctor in the Philippines for the treatment of typhoid Fever infection, drinking plenty of fluids and resting are recommended to help reduce symptoms and speed recovery.
What happens if Typhoid Fever remains untreated?
Untreated typhoid fever can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia and liver failure. If left untreated, typhoid fever can also spread to other people through the air, meaning that even if you have not been infected with the virus yourself, you could put others at risk.
FAQs: Symptoms and Causes of Typhoid Fever
Which population is at risk of getting Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is most common in developing countries. The elderly and Filipinos who are immunocompromised are particularly at risk of getting typhoid fever The risk of getting typhoid fever increases as age increases, and Filipinos who are homeless or living in poverty are particularly at risk.
What food and drinks should I avoid to minimize getting Typhoid Fever?
The most common sources of Typhoid Fever are contaminated water, unwashed vegetables, and undercooked meat. To minimize the chances of getting Typhoid Fever, it is important to take steps to avoid becoming infected. Some important steps include washing your hands often, cooking meat thoroughly, and avoiding eating food or drink from uncooked sources.
What is the difference between typhoid fever and typhus?
Typhoid fever is a bacterial illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It is most commonly spread through contact with contaminated food that carry the bacteria or water but can also be spread through contact with an infected person’s feces. Typhus is a viral illness caused by the rickettsia Rickettsia prowazekii and is most commonly spread through contact with infected animals, including rats and mice.
What is the incubation period for typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can be fatal in some cases. The incubation period for typhoid fever is typically about two weeks, but it can range from a few weeks or months. During this time, a Filipino carrier of typhoid may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Some people may also have a high fever and General Weakness.
What are typhoid, paratyphoid fever, and enteric fever?
There are two types of enteric fever, paratyphoid fever and typhoid fever. Both are caused by infection with the Salmonella enterica bacteria, but there are some key differences between the two.
Paratyphoid fever is usually less severe than typhoid fever and has a shorter incubation period, meaning it takes less time for symptoms to develop after exposure to the bacteria. Symptoms of paratyphoid fever can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fevers that fluctuate between low and high temperatures.
Typhoid fever is more severe and has a longer incubation period, meaning it takes longer for symptoms to develop. Symptoms of typhoid fever can include sustained high fevers, weakness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and sometimes a rash.
Is there a vaccine for typhoid?
Yes, there is a vaccine for typhoid fever. The vaccine is called the Typhoid Vaccine, and it is given in two doses. The first dose is given when you are two years old, and the second dose is given when you are four years old. The vaccine is made from a live attenuated bacteria called Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. This bacteria is found in contaminated food or water. When you get the vaccine, it helps your body build immunity against the bacteria. Vaccines are the best way to protect children, and about 70% effective in preventing typhoid fever.
How to recover from typhoid fever?
Filipinos may have to endure the fever for weeks or months to recover from cases of typhoid fever. Here’s how to lessen for Filipino people who have typhoid fever:
- Get plenty of rest. Typhoid fever can be exhausting, so it’s important to get as much sleep as possible.
-
Drink lots of fluids. Keeping your body hydrated will help your recovery process.
-
Eat healthy foods. Eating nutritious foods will help boost your immune system and speed up your recovery time.
-
Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Taking antibiotics is crucial for recovering from typhoid fever, so make sure to take them as directed by your doctor.
Takeaway: Typhoid Fever Symptoms, Causes & Treatment for Filipinos
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that can be deadly in people who don’t have immunity. It’s caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi and is spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include fever, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Typhoid fever is usually treated with antibiotics, but it can be fatal if not treated quickly. Precautions include washing your hands often and avoiding food and drink that’s been contaminated. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and rest.
Resources
- Disease control and prevention of typhoid fever – Typhoid Fever | Disease Directory | Travelers’ Health – Centers for Disease Control
- Can you get typhoid from water in the shower? Typhoid Fever (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth
- Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection – WHO
- What causes a high fever in toddlers – Fever in children – NHS inform
- What do you need to do if you develop symptoms of typhoid fever? Typhoid fever – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
- How to lower the chance of passing the bacteria if you have typhoid?
- How to lower the chance of passing the bacteria if you have typhoid? Typhoid Fever: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Cleveland Clinic
- What happens if you are exposed to typhoid fever patient? Questions and Answers | Typhoid Fever – CDC
Disclaimer
This website is intended to educate both members of the general public and those working in the medical field on the prevalence, causes, and methods for preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases that affect people throughout their lives. This website’s content is provided solely for informational reasons and is not meant to serve as a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.
