One of the big reasons why travel health clinics are so important is that they can help people plan their holidays to ensure that they are safe from diseases common in their destination that are far rarer here and are typically only acquired through travel.
A particularly relevant example of this is typhoid fever, which according to the UK Health Security Agency has reached a record level of travel-related cases since records began.
Almost all cases of typhoid are travel-related, so here is a brief guide to what the disease is, how to spot it on holiday and how to protect yourself before you go.
What Is Typhoid?
Typhoid, or typhoid fever, is a serious bacterial infection related to the salmonella bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
It is typically spread through consuming food or water contaminated with infected human waste, which means that it typically spreads from areas where there are issues with sanitation and access to clean drinking water.
The NHS reports that the majority of cases found in the UK are from people returning from visiting relatives in South Asian countries such as Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, but other parts of Asia, Africa and South America can also provide risks if there are problems with sanitation.
Because just a small amount of human waste can cause contamination, it is incredibly easy to spread, which is why there has been an increase in travel-related cases, and it can have serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms To Watch Out For?
The primary symptoms of typhoid are similar to other fevers, including a headache, fatigue, stomach upset, muscle pains and a persistent cough.
The main telltale symptom is a high temperature that continues to increase with each passing day, and this is typically the sign to seek emergency treatment, as neglecting immediate treatment can lead to potentially life-threatening complications if left for a few weeks.
It can lead to internal bleeding, which is serious but not typically at a level that is life-threatening, but peritonitis, where the inner lining of your abdomen becomes infected, can lead to life-threatening sepsis and multiple organ failure if not treated quickly.
The main symptom of peritonitis is a sudden, sharp abdominal pain that gets progressively worse over time.
It must be noted that it is almost never found in the UK, and because diagnosis and treatment are so swift, deaths are practically unheard of.
How Is Typhoid Treated?
Typhoid is typically treated as soon as it is diagnosed with antibiotics. If it is diagnosed at an early enough stage, a two-week course of antibiotic tablets can be enough to stop the infection from spreading.
Even if you feel better after a few days, it is essential that you complete the prescribed antibiotics course to completely clear the bacteria from your body.
This, alongside bedrest, drinking water and other fluids and eating regularly, will maintain hydration, nutrition and energy levels and help to boost recovery.
If there are complications, however, it typically needs to be treated in a hospital with antibiotic injections, and if certain complications such as peritonitis or sepsis are found, could require immediate surgery.
Typically, a doctor will perform a series of tests to determine if you are a carrier of the bacteria and could potentially spread it further or cause a relapse.
Until those test results confirm that you are clear and safe to do so, you should avoid handling food and maintain excellent hygiene to avoid inadvertent contamination.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Typhoid?
If you are travelling to a place with a high rate of typhoid fever, are travelling to a rural area, are travelling for work or otherwise intend to stay for a long time, a typhoid vaccine is an essential part of your holiday preparations.
There are two types of typhoid vaccine available; the main type is a single-dose injection sometimes provided as part of a combination vaccine against hepatitis A, whilst a three-dose oral vaccine is available to be taken over five days.
The oral vaccine is based on a live sample, so check at your local travel clinic or with your GP whether there may be any issues if you have a weakened immune system.
It should be given at least a month before you travel, although it can be given closer if you need to travel without warning, and the protection lasts for three years, which can be extended through booster vaccinations if there is a further risk of infection.
Vaccinations are important, but some less severe related infections such as paratyphoid currently do not have a vaccine, which means that protecting yourself through practising good hygiene practices and avoiding infected food and drink is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typhoid fever is uncommon in the UK due to high sanitation standards and clean drinking water. Most UK cases occur in people who have travelled to regions where typhoid remains endemic, particularly parts of South Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and have been exposed through contaminated food or water.
International travel has increased significantly following the pandemic, resulting in more people visiting countries where typhoid is common. Visiting friends and relatives abroad, longer stays, adventurous travel, and eating local food can all increase exposure to contaminated food and water, raising the risk of infection.
No vaccine provides 100% protection. The typhoid vaccine significantly reduces your risk of infection but should be combined with careful food and water hygiene practices when travelling. Avoid untreated water, eat freshly cooked food where possible, and maintain good hand hygiene throughout your trip.