Typhoid (Vivotif - tablets) £30 |
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Introduction
The disease is caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A, B or C. Typhoid is transmitted by food and drink that has been contaminated with human faeces or urine (faecal-oral route).
Typhoid can be found throughout the world but it is more common in countries where water or food supplies are liable to be contaminated with human excreta. Areas of highest risk to travellers are found in South Asia. Risk to travellers is generally lower in the rest of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Typhoid can be found throughout the world but it is more common in countries where water or food supplies are liable to be contaminated with human excreta. Areas of highest risk to travellers are found in South Asia. Risk to travellers is generally lower in the rest of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The Illness
Typhoid causes systemic infection which may present as fever, headache, confusion and vague abdominal pain. Constipation is common in adults. Salmonella Paratyphi causes a milder illness than that of Salmonella Typhi.
Treatment
Treatment with an antibiotic is usually required. Medical attention should be sought for any feverish illness experienced whilst travelling abroad.
Recommendations for Travellers
Prevention is focused on food and water precautions and practising meticulous hand and personal hygiene to reduce the risk of typhoid infection.
Detailed risk management advice can be found on the following pages: Various vaccines that protect against typhoid are available: Typhim Vi and an oral preparation (3 capsules) called Vivotif. A single dose of vaccine protects for three years, but will not protect against para-typhoid fever. ViATIM combines typhoid with hepatitis A. Individuals should consider being vaccinated if they are travelling to a country where typhoid fever is more common and where they will be unable to take sufficient care with food and drink.
Detailed risk management advice can be found on the following pages: Various vaccines that protect against typhoid are available: Typhim Vi and an oral preparation (3 capsules) called Vivotif. A single dose of vaccine protects for three years, but will not protect against para-typhoid fever. ViATIM combines typhoid with hepatitis A. Individuals should consider being vaccinated if they are travelling to a country where typhoid fever is more common and where they will be unable to take sufficient care with food and drink.
