Typhoid is a serious illness that is primarily spread by drinking or eating food or water that has been infected by a patient’s faeces or urine. If you want to travel to the parts of the world where typhoid is prevalent, getting a typhoid vaccine in Bury is recommended.

What are the symptoms associated with typhoid?

Typically, one to two weeks after contracting the Salmonella typhi bacteria, typhoid symptoms appear. The symptoms may quickly begin to improve 3 to 5 days after treatment.

The sickness typically gets worse over a few weeks if untreated, and the chance of complications that could be fatal rises. Without medical intervention, full recovery may require several weeks or months, and signs may recur.

The primary warning symptoms of typhoid are as follows:

– A high temperature that rises steadily each day
– A headache
– Extreme fatigue
– Constipation
– Cough
– General aches and pains

As the illness worsens, you can have nausea, unexpected weight loss, stomachache, and diarrhoea. Some individuals may get a rash.

Which countries do you need the typhoid vaccine for?

Although typhoid fever can occur anywhere in the world, it is more prevalent in places with poor sanitation and hygiene.

High-risk areas include:

– South and Southeast Asia
– The Indian subcontinent
– South America
– Africa

If you plan to stay or work alongside locals or spend a lot of time in places with questionable hygienic standards, you are highly advised to be vaccinated.

UK citizens frequently get typhoid fever while travelling to Bangladesh, Pakistan, or India. Therefore, if you’re travelling to these countries, it’s crucial that you get the necessary vaccinations.

It’s also important to ensure that you get the hepatitis A vaccine before going abroad. Learn more about the hepatitis A vaccine in our previous blog post here:

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Typhoid vaccine in Bury

The two primary typhoid immunisations offered in the UK are as follows:

– Vi vaccine: a single injection
– Ty21a vaccine: 3 capsules to be taken every other day

For those who are 15 years of age and older, a combination of typhoid and hepatitis A immunisations is an additional option. Typhoid and hepatitis A immunity lasts for one year and three years, respectively.

How does the typhoid vaccine work?

The vaccination works by inducing the body to produce antibodies, which shields you from infection and keeps you from getting sick if you are exposed to typhoid bacteria. Proteins called antibodies help the body fight disease.

Immune-compromised individuals, such as HIV patients and those undergoing certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, should not receive the Ty21a vaccine. This is a result of the fact that it has live Salmonella typhi bacteria in it.

Children as young as 2 years old can receive the Vi vaccination, despite the fact that it is normally not advised. The risk of the Vi and Ty21a vaccines to expectant or nursing mothers is unknown.

Nevertheless, immunisation should be taken into consideration if there is a high risk of contracting typhoid fever.

The ideal timing for the typhoid vaccination is at least a month before travelling. However, if more time is needed, it can be offered closer to the departure date. If you still have a chance of contracting typhoid bacteria, booster vaccinations every three years are necessary.

Can you get typhoid after vaccination?

Vaccinations against typhoid are not usually completely effective. Always adopt healthy drinking and eating routines to help ward off infection.

Over time, typhoid vaccinations lose part of their potency. Every two years for the injectable vaccine and every five years for the oral vaccine, a booster shot is necessary. Consult your GP or pharmacist if you require a booster shot if you’ve already received the vaccine. Antibiotics can only assist in treating typhoid fever; they cannot prevent it.

Side effects of the typhoid vaccine

Some people experience momentary pain, redness, hardness, or swelling at the injection site after receiving the typhoid fever vaccine.

One in one hundred people who receive the typhoid vaccine experience a fever.

The following are a few uncommon side effects:

– Headache
– Diarrhoea
– Feeling sick
– Abdominal pain

Serious side effects from either of the two typhoid vaccinations are quite rare.

Advice for travellers

When travelling to regions where typhoid fever is prevalent, it is crucial to take a few simple precautions, whether you have received the typhoid vaccine or not.

For instance:

– Drink only boiled water or water that has been properly sealed in a bottle.
– Avoid having ice cream and don’t add ice to your drinks.
– If you haven’t peeled the fruit or vegetable yourself or rinsed it in clean water, do not eat it.
– Steer clear of salads and seafood.

Book your appointment with Pimhole Pharmacy today to get your typhoid vaccine in Bury.

 

This blog post was written on behalf of Pimhole Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.