Typhoid fever is caused by the
bacteria Salmonella Typhi and is a life-threatening illness that can be passed
from the infected person to others through contact. Bacteria are present in the
bloodstream of the infected person, who shed it through their feces. Typhoid
fever spreads through unhygienic living conditions and unclean surroundings.
Outbreak of Typhoid is common in the developing countries as compared to the
developed countries.
Symptoms of Typhoid fever
The common symptoms of Typhoid fever
are high-fever, stomach ache, and loss of appetite, malaise, rash of flat,
rose-colored spots, enlarged spleen, and slow heartbeat. Typhoid can be
confirmed by testing the stool and blood samples of the person. Generally,
Typhoid can be prevented by following some simple rules of hygiene and
cleanliness.
Prevention of Typhoid fever
Most important step to prevent the
spread of Typhoid is taking care of what you eat. When travelling, avoid eating
from roadside stalls and eateries as their hygiene standards may not be up to
the mark. Consume food that is well cooked, preferably served steaming hot as
the heat can destroy the resident bacteria. Fresh fruits and vegetables are
good options as long as they have been washed well by you. Peel them before
eating to be doubly sure.
Moreover, the Typhoid bacteria can
spread through contaminated water. Therefore, it is advisable to carry bottled
water always with you wherever you go. Avoid drinking water from roadside taps
and water points as the danger of it being contaminated are high. Before using
bottles and cans, make sure to wipe them clean before opening them. Avoid
asking for ice, as the source of water for the ice is not known. Use bottled
water for personal use like brushing and rinsing the mouth.
Another important step to avoid
getting infected the Typhoid bacteria is to get you vaccinated. It is not an
absolute guarantee, but it provides the necessary immunity, thereby reducing
the risk of getting infected by the bacteria. You can get immunized repeatedly
as the effectiveness of the vaccine reduces over time.
Personal hygiene plays a vital role
in preventing the spread of Typhoid. Always wash your hands after visiting the
washrooms as the taps and faucets could have been used by an infected person.
You can wash your hands with warm water and soap, or use sanitizers. Remember
to wash your hands before handling food items; like before you start cooking or
eating. This reduces the risk of the bacterial getting ingested. Keep an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands in case water is not available
or is not clean.
Preventing the spread of Typhoid
fever
It is essential to take the
necessary precautions from getting infected by the Typhoid bacteria, but it is
equally important to prevent it from spreading in our surroundings. Maintaining
personal hygiene and washing hands regularly reduce the risk of infection.
Keeping your house and surrounding clean is vital. In case you are infected, do
not handle food for others unless cleared by a doctor. Also, it is necessary to
keep your clothes and utensils separate and wash them thoroughly.
daayur · 345 weeks ago
Dayo · 314 weeks ago
daayur · 285 weeks ago