(Malaika Mirza, karachi)
Typhoid is an infection caused by a bacteria (salmonella typhi) which can be acquired/transmitted by contaminated water, milk, fish and other food from outside. Main cause is infection by bacteria called salmonella typhi, found in infected animals and humans and transmitted to an uninfected person through contaminated food. The infection can also be transmitted by non-ill carriers who handle food without carefully washing hands after bowel movement. What are signs and symptoms of typhoid? FIRST WEEK:- Gradual onset. Diarrohea. Moderate to severe headache. Chills and fever (40-41 C and more than 101 F). Muscle pain. Non-productive cough. Rapid pulse. Skin eruption (rare). Small red spots on abdomen (uncommon). Vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of apetite. SECOND WEEK:- Constant fever. Abdominal distension and tenderness with constipation or diarrohea. THIRD WEEK:- Gradual decrease in fever and symptoms. When and where it occurs and how it spread to others? More common in the summer and in rainy seasons. Unhygienic areas. Stagnant water (bacteria can live for 48 hours in standing water). Contaminated food like milk, vegetables etc. Flies and cockroaches . How it diagnosed and treated? Medical assessment of your signs and symptoms. Laboratory blood test. Antibiotics as ordered by your doctor. How can you reduce your chances of getting typhoid? Typhoid vaccination. Maintain environmental and personal hygiene. Drink only boiled water. Refrigerate pasteurised milk and dairy products. Wash fruits and vegetables carefully in clean water. Strict hand washing with soap and water before preparing or eating food. Avoid commercially prepared food. How do you care for someone with typhoid? Maintain environmental and personal hygiene. Patient’s linen soiled with urine or faeces must be washed seperately using boiled water. Notify doctor if following occur during treatment. Fever. Sore throat. Severe cough or coughing up blood. Shortness of breath. Severe abdominal pain. Rectal bleeding. Pain in calf muscles. Headache or earache. Swollen joints. Follow-up... Follow your doctor’s instructions. Keep your clinic appointment. Your doctor needs to monitor your progress and make sure that you are recovering safely.
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