Typhoid
A typhoid vaccine can help reduce your chances of becoming infected and is generally recommended for those who are travelling to countries where the disease is endemic. Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread primarily via contaminated food and water. If travelling to certain areas overseas, immunisation is the best way to reduce your risk.
MediADVICE Pharmacists can provide typhoid vaccinations for customers:
aged over 5 years in ACT
aged over 5 years in NSW
aged over 5 years in VIC
Fees may apply.
What is Typhoid?
Typhoid (also called typhoid fever or enteric fever) is a dangerous bacterial infection that can cause severe illness and death. While it’s rare in developed countries such as Australia, between 11-20 million people around the world get sick from it each year and as many as 161,000 people die from the disease.1
People in Australia who contract typhoid infections usually get them after travelling overseas.2Countries where typhoid is common include:
India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
South-East Asia
some South Pacific countries, including Papua New Guinea
Central and South America
the Caribbean
African countries
Middle Eastern countries.
Typhoid is a notifiable disease in Australia.4That means health authorities must be notified if you have the disease.
Symptoms of typhoid
Symptoms of typhoid usually begin 8 -14 days after being infected, although they may appear in as few as three days or as late as 60 days.4Symptoms can be mild or severe and usually develop gradually. They may include:5
prolonged fever that increases each day which can be as high as 40⁰C
sweating
bad headache
weakness and fatigue
aching muscles
dry cough
rash
abdominal pain
diarrhoea or constipation
feeling generally unwell
swollen stomach
lack of appetite
weight loss.
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What causes typhoid?
Typhoid is caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria, which is related to the bacteria that causes Salmonella — another gastrointestinal infection. These bacteria are present in the faeces (poo) of an infected person and can be transmitted to other people if an infected person doesn’t wash their hands properly. Bacteria can then contaminate everything they touch, including food and drink.
Typhoid can also be spread through contaminated water which may be drunk or used in the preparation of food. This is why the illness is common in places where there is poor sanitation.6
How is typhoid diagnosed?
Diagnosis of typhoid is usually done through a medical exam and your doctor taking your medical history. A sample of your urine, faeces or blood may also be tested for the presence of Salmonella typhi.
How do you treat typhoid?
Treatment for typhoid includes:7
antibiotics to kill the bacteria
increasing fluids to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea and fever
hospital admission in some cases, or for people who have complications.
What are the complications of typhoid?
Without treatment, typhoid can be fatal or lead to serious complications which may include:8
bleeding from the intestine
a perforated intestine (hole in the intestine) which can cause the contents of the intestine to leak into the abdominal cavity
meningitis (inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
inflammation of other organs including the heart and pancreas
infections in other parts of the body such as the lungs (pneumonia), kidneys, bladder, and spine.
When to see your doctor?
If you suspect you may have typhoid, see your doctor immediately to ensure early treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
Can you prevent typhoid?
Typhoid can be prevented through vaccination. It’s recommended that anyone over the age of two who is travelling to countries where typhoid is common should be vaccinated.9Vaccination may be given as an injection, or as a series of oral capsules taken over a few days. Speak to your doctor to learn more. Typhoid vaccination is not part of the National Immunisation Program.
You should also take the following precautions if you are in a country where typhoid is common:
thoroughly wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and before eating
avoid uncooked foods, including fruits and vegetables (unless you have peeled them yourself)
drink bottled or boiled water, and use this when brushing your teeth
avoid drinking untreated water, including drinks mixed with water (e.g. cordial) and ice
avoid food from street stalls
ensure that your food is cooked properly and eaten while hot.
If you begin to feel sick after travelling to a country with typhoid, see your doctor.
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. We can provide advice on medication, vaccinations, and other products that can help you manage a range of health conditions. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.
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Sources
1World Health Organization, Typhoidhttps://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/typhoid
2NSW Health, Typhoid and paratyphoid fact sheet,https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/typhoid.aspx
3Australian Government, National Health Security (National Notifiable Disease List) Instrument,https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2022C00605
4NSW Health, Typhoid and paratyphoid fact sheet,https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/typhoid.aspx
5Mayo Clinic, Typhoid fever,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/typhoid-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20378661
6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Typhoid Fever,https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/typhoid
7Better Health Channel, Typhoid and paratyphoid,https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/typhoid-and-paratyphoid#symptoms-of-typhoid-and-paratyphoid
8Better Health Channel, Typhoid and paratyphoid,https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/typhoid-and-paratyphoid#symptoms-of-typhoid-and-paratyphoid
9NSW Health, Typhoid and paratyphoid fact sheet,https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/typhoid.aspx
Disclaimer
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.