Typhoid fever and its treatment, medication and antibiotics

Author:
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker

Typhoid fever is treated during hospitalization in the infection department. They give antibiotics. Subsequently, the overall symptomatological treatment is also chosen. Medicines for pain and fever are given. Fluids are added, ie rehydration infusion therapy.

Vomiting drugs and high doses of vitamin C and B complex are also given. Corticoids are given if the disease is severe. The patient's saving regime, bed rest, diet, pressure ulcer prevention are also important. 

Severe illness may require blood transfusions or surgery for abdominal complications. The person is monitored for a year after healing, for bacillocarriers. In most cases, antibiotic treatment does not work with the carrier of the infection and it is necessary to remove the gallbladder, ie cholecystectomy. Because it is in the gallbladder that bacteria can settle.

If left untreated, typhus has up to 30% mortality.
Treatment reduces it to 1%. 

Vaccination is the right choice of prevention

Vaccination against typhoid fever before departure is not mandatory. However, protecting one's health from traveling to high-risk areas should be a matter of course. Even in our environment, we may encounter infection, as an example is the introduction from the areas, such as refugees. A person can be a carrier of an infection and does not even know it.

Vaccination before leaving for risk areas such as:

  • tropical and subtropical landscapes
  • Latin America
  • Asia, especially the southeast
  • Indian subcontinent
  • Africa
  • popular tourist destinations such as:
    • Egypt
    • Tunisia
    • Turkey
  • the infection can also be found in the Mediterranean

Vaccination should be considered two weeks before the trip , vaccinated orally or by injection , and therefore:

  • oral vaccine  - a live oral vaccine is given that activates the immune system
    • VIVOTIF Berna
    • 4 doses in people older than 5 years
    • the duration of vaccination is 3 years
  • parenterally - that is, by injection into a muscle or under the skin
    • a dead polysaccharide parenteral vaccine is given
    • TYPHIM Vi, Pasteur Mérieux
    • 1 dose
    • also effective for 3 years
    • in persons older than 5 years

Vaccines are safe. However, a problem with the gastrointestinal tract can rarely occur after taking the vaccine through the mouth. When injected, it may be a local reaction,  reddening of the skin and swelling at the injection site. Elevated body temperature or headache may be associated. There are also combination vaccines that also contain protection against hepatitis A.

Interesting information: How is jaundice transmitted in a magazine article at the Medical Center.

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Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.
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