What is Typhoid?
Typhoid is a virulent pathogen that is called salmonella typhi. It can cause weakness, fatigue, high fever, stomach pain, headaches, loss of appetite and in some cases a rash. If left untreated, it is fatal in nearly 30 percent of patients. Some people who get Typhoid become carries and spread the disease (e.g. Typhoid Mary.)
Typhoid is most commonly spread by ingesting contaminated water or food. The disease is rare in the United States and most cases develop in citizens who travel abroad and bring the disease home.
Typhoid shot is available today in New York travel clinics!
Typhoid kills 200,000 people per year, while 20,000,000 people per year contract it.
Who should be inoculated against Typhoid and when?
There are no current vaccination protocols in place in the United States for Typhoid due to its low rate of incidence. However, Typhoid vaccines are highly recommended for those who travel to countries where the disease is common. Travelers should still be very careful about what they eat and drink, because the vaccine is not 100 percent effective for everyone.
Who shouldn’t get vaccinated or should wait?
Any child under two years old, those with allergies to vaccine components and those with any severe allergies should inform their doctor before being inoculated. Anyone who has suffered a severe reaction to the initial dose should not get another one. Those who are moderately to severely ill should wait to get the Typhoid vaccine until they have recovered from their illness.
How is the Typhoid vaccine administered?
They Typhoid vaccine is given in a couple ways. In its injectable form, the serum contains the dead virus. One dose provides full protection and should be given at least two weeks prior to travel. Booster shots are advisable every two years until travel abroad has ceased.
The second delivery method is given orally. It contains a live virus and it is taken in four separate doses over a period of one week. The last dose should be given at least one week before traveling. Booster doses should be given every five years. Some physicians believe that the oral method of delivery gives a better protection that is longer lasting.
What are the risks of the Typhoid vaccine?
As with any medication, the vaccine can cause serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction. Fortunately, the risk of this vaccine causing severe illness or death is extremely low.
Possible reactions to the injected vaccine are very rare and are mild in nature but include fever, headache and redness or swelling at the injection site. The oral vaccine rarely causes a reaction, but may include fever or headache and rarely cause vomiting and rashes.
What if there is a serious reaction?
A serious reaction will present symptoms of an allergic reaction or high fever. These symptoms may include swelling in the mouth and tongue, fast heart beat or heart palpitations, respiratory difficulties like wheezing and rashes, hives or flushing. If signs of a reaction present themselves, call your doctor or emergency room as soon as possible.
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