In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) considers waterborne diseases like typhoid fever and vector-borne diseases like dengue among the most common illnesses during the rainy season. Typhoid fever is an infectious disease that commonly spreads through contaminated food or water. As the wet season begins, arm yourselves with the proper knowledge on typhoid fever to prevent yourself from catching it.
Causes
Typhoid fever is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. A person can get typhoid fever if they consume contaminated food or water, or through close contact with another person who is carrying the bacteria.
Risk Factors
Those who have limited or no access to clean water and proper sanitation have a higher risk of contracting typhoid fever. Additionally, vulnerable members of the population, such as children, are more prone to getting sick with typhoid.
Symptoms
Warning signs of typhoid fever typically appear one to three weeks after exposure to the bacteria. This includes:
- Fever that develops gradually, often reaching up to 40.5°C
- Headache
- Fatigue and weakness
- Muscle aches
- Stomach pain
- Stomach bloating
- Constipation
- Dry cough
- Loss of appetite
Immediate treatment is important before the symptoms develop into worse, potentially life-threatening, complications such as:
- Delirium
- Exhaustion and motionlessness
- Pneumonia
- Intestinal bleeding that may also cause severe stomach pain and vomiting
Treatment
If you start to develop symptoms for typhoid fever, immediately see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics for the treatment of typhoid fever. Hospitalization is recommended for those who develop severe symptoms, such as severe diarrhea, a swollen stomach, or persistent vomiting, as well as for children who develop the sickness.
Prevention
Vaccination against typhoid is one way to prevent getting the disease. Additionally, drink water only from safe and clean sources. Make sure the food you consume is properly cooked to avoid contamination. Do not forget to wash your hands with soap and clean water before eating. Proper hygiene helps eliminate disease-causing microorganisms and is therefore critical in protecting yourself from potential infections.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/is-typhoid-contagious#transmission
- https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever/sources.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/typhoid-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20378661
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/typhoid
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/typhoid-fever/treatment/
