Countries at risk
Whilst Typhoid fever is uncommon in the UK, the risk of developing the infection is higher if visiting Asia, Africa and/or Central & South America through poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Travel Precautions
The infection can be spread when food or drink is contaminated by faeces (or less commonly urine). Only drink bottled/boiled water and eat freshly cooked, piping hot food. Cold, uncooked food (with the exception of fruit that can be peeled), and sources of tap water e.g. ice, salads etc. must be avoided.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms develop within a couple of weeks of becoming infected, and generally subside within three to five days of receiving treatment. The most common symptoms are high fever, stomach pain, headache and constipation/diarrhoea. Inevitably symptoms will worsen over the course of a few weeks if left untreated, and there's a significant risk of life-threatening complications developing.
The Vaccination
• Course: One single injection OR three capsules taken over five days; these vaccines protects you for 3 years.
• When to get vaccinated: At least two weeks before travel. It can also be given closer to your travel date but this leaves you at a greater risk.
• Side effects: Side effects include fever, soreness at the injection site and digestive problems.
• Children: The vaccine is suitable for children over the age of two, however, we only vaccinate children aged 12 years and older.