Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food and water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. The infection affects the digestive system and bloodstream, leading to severe fever, abdominal pain, and potential complications if untreated.

Because antibiotic resistance is increasing, vaccination is the best protection against typhoid for travellers heading to high-risk areas.

Typhoid is spread when a person ingests food or water contaminated with the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. The bacteria enter the digestive system and multiply in the intestines and bloodstream, leading to serious illness.

Common Ways Typhoid is Transmitted:

• Eating contaminated food – Street food, raw vegetables, and improperly cooked meat or seafood.
• Drinking unsafe water – Tap water, ice, and drinks made with untreated water.
• Poor sanitation & hygiene – Infected individuals handling food without washing hands properly.
• Close contact with an infected person – Especially in households or crowded conditions.
• Unlike other bacterial infections, typhoid can survive in water and food for long periods, making it easy to spread in high-risk areas.

The Typhoid Vaccine

The typhoid vaccine provides effective protection and is recommended for:

• Travelers to high-risk regions
• Long-term travelers, aid workers, and expatriates
• Individuals visiting friends and relatives in endemic areas

Vaccine Options & Dosage

There are two types of typhoid vaccines available:

• Injectable (Inactivated) Vaccine – A single injection, given at least two weeks before travel. Protects for up to 3 years.
• Oral (Live Attenuated) Vaccine – A course of four capsules, taken every other day over a week, completed at least one week before travel. Protects for around 5 years.

Your pharmacist can help determine which vaccine is best suited for you based on your travel plans and medical history.

Side Effects of the Typhoid Vaccine

The typhoid vaccine is safe and well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild.

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever, headache, or fatigue
• Nausea or stomach discomfort (more common with oral vaccine)

Which Countries Are at Risk?

Typhoid fever is most common in regions with poor sanitation and a lack of clean drinking water. Travelers to these areas should consider vaccination before their trip.

• South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal)
• Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines)
• Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt)
• Central & South America (Mexico, Peru, Brazil)
• The Middle East (Iraq, Yemen)