Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. In the United Kingdom, it is estimated that approximately 5,700 cases occur annually. Most cases (up to 75%) are acquired while traveling internationally. Typhoid fever is still common in the developing world, where it affects about 21.5 million persons each year. You can get typhoid fever if you eat food or drink beverages that have been handled by a person who is shedding Salmonella Typhi or if sewage contaminated with Salmonella Typhi bacteria gets into the water you use for drinking or washing food. Typhoid fever can be prevented through vaccination and can usually be treated with antibiotics. If you are planning to travel outside the United Kingdom, you should know about typhoid fever and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
Symptoms of Typhoid:
How My Travel Vaccine can help?If you are traveling to a country where typhoid is common, you should consider being vaccinated against typhoid. My Travel Vaccine trained pharmacists provide vaccinations according to your needs. Remember that you will need to complete your vaccination at least 1-2 weeks (dependent upon vaccine type) before you travel so that the vaccine has time to take effect. Typhoid vaccines lose effectiveness after several years; if you were vaccinated in the past, check with our pharmacists if it is time for a booster vaccination. Taking antibiotics will not prevent typhoid fever; they only help treat it. |