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Serious severity
· MD Medicine
Typhoid
Salmonella Typhi · Food and water borne
Bacteria from contaminated food and water cause prolonged fever, abdominal pain and weakness. Treatable with antibiotics; vaccinate before travel.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Endemic in India
- Typical age
- Children, young adults
- Outlook
- Curable
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a verified MD Medicine doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Salmonella Typhi bacteria
- Contaminated food / water
- Poor sanitation
- Asymptomatic carriers handling food
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Step-ladder fever over days
- Headache, fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Rose spots on chest
- Constipation then diarrhea
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Blood culture diagnosis
- Antibiotics (azithromycin, ceftriaxone)
- Hydration, paracetamol
- Watch for perforation in week 3
- Treat carriers
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Typhoid conjugate vaccine in children
- Drink only safe water
- Eat freshly cooked, hot food
- Hand hygiene
- Avoid roadside salads
Do’s
- Complete the antibiotic course
- Vaccinate the family
- Boil drinking water
- Hand-wash before eating
Don’ts
- Stop antibiotics at first feel-good day
- Eat raw roadside salads
- Use untreated water
- Ignore severe abdominal pain
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.