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What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which spreads through contaminated food and water. Once infected, individuals often experience severe symptoms that may require medical treatment or hospitalization. Common signs of typhoid fever include high fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue. To protect yourself, especially before traveling to at-risk areas of the world, getting a typhoid fever vaccination is highly recommended.
How Does Typhoid Fever Spread?
Typhoid fever spreads when people consume food or drinks contaminated with even small amounts of Salmonella typhi. The risk is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries where access to clean running water and soap is limited, including at food establishments. Food workers who don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom are a common source of transmission. As a result, the bacterium can transfer from their contaminated hands to surfaces or food, which customers then ingest.
Who Needs a Typhoid Fever Vaccine?
Travelers heading to developing countries face a high risk of typhoid fever, especially in regions like Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Oceania. With millions of typhoid fever cases and tens of thousands of deaths reported annually, the typhoid fever vaccine is a critical safeguard for international travelers. Health experts including CDC recommends the typhoid vaccine for anyone aged two years and older planning to visit low- or middle-income countries where Salmonella typhi exposure is common.
What Else Can I Do to Protect Myself from Typhoid Fever?
While the typhoid fever vaccine offers strong protection against Salmonella typhi, it’s not foolproof. To lower your risk, be cautious with food and drinks, especially when dining at restaurants, food stalls, or from street vendors. Opt for freshly prepared, fully cooked foods served hot. Skip raw vegetables like salads, and choose fruits you can peel yourself right before eating. Handwashing is key—use soap and water before meals, or carry hand sanitizer if clean water isn’t available.
Are There Multiple Typhoid Fever Vaccines?
Yes, two typhoid fever vaccine options exist: an injection and an oral version. The typhoid fever vaccine injection is available for anyone two years and older, administered in the arm. The oral typhoid vaccine, taken as capsules, is suitable for travelers six years and older. Both protect against Salmonella typhi, but eligibility depends on age and certain people with health conditions should not take the oral capsules.
When Do I Need to Re-Vaccinate for Typhoid Fever?
The typhoid fever vaccine injection provides two years of immunity, while the oral typhoid fever vaccine lasts for five years. To maintain protection against typhoid fever, repeat the vaccine based on your travel plans.
How Do I Take the Oral Typhoid Fever Vaccine?
The oral typhoid fever vaccine involves four capsules, taken every other day on an empty stomach—ideally one hour before eating. The clinician will provide additional detailed instructions, including the need to refrigerate the vaccine and to not crush or chew the capsule.
Where Can I Find a Typhoid Fever Vaccine Near Me?
Destination Health Travel Clinic specializes in vaccines for travel including the injection or oral typhoid fever immunization and is available near you at any of of the Massachusetts locations.
Popular destinations where the typhoid fever vaccine is recommended include India, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Peru.
Other Common Travel Vaccinations
If you’re traveling to a country with risk of typhoid fever, chances are high that additional travel vaccines are recommended for your international trip. Other food and water illnesses include hepatitis A and cholera while mosquito diseases like yellow fever, chikungunya, and dengue fever are common in many developing countries. include
Learn more about vaccine and health considerations for your specific destination by visiting the CDC travel recommendation list.