Typhoid fever is an illness caused by types of Salmonella bacteria. Millions of people get sick from typhoid fever worldwide every year.
According to the CDC, most US cases of typhoid are in returning travelers. To learn more about typhoid fever and paratyphoid, see the Centers for Disease Control.
Do I need a typhoid fever vaccine for my trip abroad?
To find out whether you should get vaccinated against typhoid fever for your trip, make an appointment with Global Travel Clinics. Our travel health professionals can do a risk assessment for your vacation and tell you what you can do to minimize your exposure to the bacteria that causes typhoid fever.
At your travel health appointment, the adviser can tell you what travel shots you need, and they will let you know what other steps you can take to stay safe while abroad. For example, you can reduce your risk of catching typhoid through safe eating and drinking habits. These habits will also protect you from food- and water-borne illnesses that can’t be prevented with vaccines.
Why should I avoid getting sick with typhoid fever?
The symptoms of typhoid can be dangerous, so if you suspect you have typhoid, it’s really important to get medical help. Typhoid is also infectious, and without treatment, you risk making others sick even after you feel better. And typhoid is an illness that will last a long time if you’re not treated. You may have to take time out from work or your studies while you recover from typhoid.
Symptoms of typhoid include a very high, sustained fever and pain in the stomach, as well as GI upsets like constipation and diarrhea. Some people with typhoid experience:
- cough
- headache
- poor appetite
- rash
- weakness
If you get any symptoms like this after your return from a vacation or business trip abroad, speak with your usual healthcare provider and let them know that you’ve been traveling.
How is the typhoid vaccine administered?
The typhoid fever vaccine is available in an oral form and an injectable form. You’ll need to leave some time between getting vaccinated and the start of your trip. This is to give the vaccine time to work. That’s why we recommend you visit us six to eight weeks before your trip abroad.
Which countries have a higher risk of typhoid and paratyphoid?
Travelers to Pakistan, India and Bangladesh are at greater risk of typhoid. People traveling in rural areas, or visiting friends and family are more likely to be exposed, too.
Can I get a booster for my typhoid vaccination?
The typhoid vaccine offers good protection for a few years; but it loses effectiveness after a while. At your travel health appointment, let the travel health nurse or pharmacist know that you’ve been vaccinated against typhoid previously. They can then work out whether you need a booster.
What steps do I need to take to avoid getting typhoid fever while traveling?
Once you’ve been vaccinated against typhoid, you’ll still need to take precautions to avoid swallowing the bacteria that causes typhoid. This is because vaccines offer good protection, but not complete protection.
Salmonella bacteria occur in the feces of people who have typhoid. If food or water that you eat or drink is contaminated with feces, you may be exposed to that bacteria.
When traveling, wash your hands often, and particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food or eating. Only eat at restaurants that are clean and have employees who are educated about food hygiene. Choose food that is freshly made and hot, as cooking will destroy most bacteria. Many travelers prefer to avoid raw foods like salads as it is hard to wash them properly.
Use clean water for drinking and teeth cleaning, and be cautious with ice cubes if you don’t know what water they are made from. Boiled or treated water is safe; as is water in factory-sealed bottles.
Learn more about food safety while traveling and safer drinking water from our articles.
Making a travel health appointment in California
We have plenty of appointments at our travel health centers in California.
Book Online