Quick Facts about Typhoid:
Typhoid is a life-threatening infection caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. It usually spreads through contaminated water and food.
Globally, around 11-20 million people get infected and between 1,28,000 to 1,61,000 people die annually from typhoid.
Typhoid infection can be treated with antibiotics; however, due to increasing resistance to different antibiotics, treatment is becoming complicated.
Usually people think that flu, malaria and dengue are the only diseases that spread during the monsoon. However, apart from mosquito borne and air borne diseases, occurrences of water borne diseases like diarrhea, typhoid and cholera also increases.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection that leads to severe symptoms. It is caused by consuming any food or drink that is contaminated with the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. Although there is treatment for typhoid infection, still it is always recommended to prevent it.
Here are some precautions you can take in monsoon to keep typhoid at bay:
- Always drink only boiled and cooled water as heat kills all kinds of bacteria. Avoid drinking water at places where you are not sure of the water source. Make it a habit to always carry your own water bottle when you go out or drink sealed, bottled water from a well-known source and avoid brands you do not recognize.
- It is better to avoid fruit juices, shakes or cool drinks especially from roadside shops.
- Remember to only use ice that is made from bottled or boiled water. Avoid eating popsicles or flavored ice.
- During this season, try to avoid eating outside as much as possible. Even when eating out avoid uncooked foods like salads, raita or fruits, because if they are washed with contaminated water, it can lead to infection.
- Avoid those raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled like cabbage, lettuce, grapes, spinach etc. They can remain contaminated even after washing.
- Eat foods that have been cooked properly and are still hot when served. Also, if the person preparing the food has typhoid and he/she doesn’t wash his hands properly with soap after using the toilet, the bacteria can get transferred into the food.
- Avoid consuming raw milk and products made from raw milk. Use only boiled or pasteurized milk.
- Clean your water purifier and water storage containers frequently with warm water and detergent to prevent the growth of germs.
- Make sure to wash hands thoroughly and frequently with soap, particularly after using toilet or touching pets.
Typhoid vaccines:
The best way to protect you and your family is to get vaccinated. There are 2 kinds of Typhoid vaccines available:
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine: It is given in 2 doses (2nd dose is given 1 to 3 years after the first one).
Typhoid Polysaccharide Vaccine: It is given once in every 3 years.
Both the vaccines differ in their cost and efficiency, which can be discussed with the doctor before choosing which one to take.
Important point to remember:
Both the Typhoid vaccines can be taken by infants above 9 months, children, teenagers and even adults.
If you want to protect your family from Typhoid, book an appointment at RxDx and talk to a physician, GP or pediatrician about Typhoid vaccine. Both the kind of vaccines are available at the pharmacy of RxDx. Vaccine is the best and easiest way to prevent a horrible infection like Typhoid.
For further details, please contact: 080-49261111, 6745-8111
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