TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. How Typhoid Spreads
2. Who’s at Risk?
3. Common Symptoms of Typhoid
4. How Is Typhoid Diagnosed?
5. How Is Typhoid Treated?
6. Potential Complications
7. Preventing Typhoid Fever
8. Typhoid Vaccination at Home with Halodoc

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Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It spreads through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person. 

Typhoid is common in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. 

If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications and become life-threatening.

How Typhoid Spreads

The main causes of transmission include:

• Contaminated food or drinks: Especially those exposed to fecal matter from infected individuals.
• Poor hygiene: Inadequate handwashing after using the toilet or before eating increases infection risk.
• Direct contact: Sharing utensils, towels, or having close contact with someone who is infected.
• Unsafe water: Drinking or using untreated water in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure.

Not everyone infected shows symptoms. Some people become asymptomatic carriers, unknowingly transmitting the bacteria to others.

Who’s at Risk?

You’re at higher risk if you:

• Live in or travel to regions with poor sanitation.
• Don’t routinely wash your hands with soap.
• Work in healthcare or microbiology labs.
• Visit countries with high typhoid rates, especially in South Asia.

Common Symptoms of Typhoid

Symptoms usually appear 1–2 weeks after infection and may include:

• Persistent high fever (up to 39–40°C)
• Headaches
• Fatigue or weakness
• Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• “Rose spots” (small red rashes on the chest or abdomen)

If untreated, symptoms can worsen to confusion, delirium, or internal bleeding.

How Is Typhoid Diagnosed?

Typhoid is diagnosed through:

• Medical history. Doctors assess recent travel or exposure to contaminated food/water.
• Lab tests, including:
  
  • Blood/stool/bone marrow cultures to detect Salmonella typhi.
  • Widal test to measure antibodies (though this may have variable accuracy).

Early and accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment.

How Is Typhoid Treated?

Treatment for thypoid involves:

1. Antibiotics – Common choices include ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, or ceftriaxone, depending on local resistance patterns.
2. Supportive care – Rehydration (oral or IV) and soft, nutritious food to aid recovery.
3. Hospitalization – Needed in severe cases, particularly for intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring.
4. Symptom relief – Antipyretics like paracetamol for fever management.

Patients must complete the full antibiotic course to prevent relapse or resistance.

Potential Complications

Untreated typhoid can lead to:

• Intestinal perforation (life-threatening abdominal infection)
• Spread of bacteria to the liver, kidneys, or heart
• Severe dehydration
• Mental confusion or delirium

These complications require urgent medical care.

Preventing Typhoid Fever

Prevention tips include:

• Vaccination: Especially before traveling to endemic areas. Options include oral or injectable vaccines.
• Good hygiene: Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating.
• Safe food and water: Avoid street food, ensure food is well-cooked, and drink only boiled or filtered water.
• Proper sanitation: Use clean toilets and avoid open defecation.

Typhoid Vaccination at Home with Halodoc

For added convenience, Halodoc offers at-home typhoid vaccination (Typhim Vi) through its Homecare service, available in Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Denpasar. 

Typhoid vaccination at home via Homecary by Halodoc offers various benefits, include:

• Vaccination by certified doctors
• Strict health protocols
• Observational care after injection
• Trusted vaccine brands registered with BPOM
• Time and cost savings, no extra fees, and free follow-up consultation via chat

To schedule, use the Halodoc app or WhatsApp at 0888-0999-9226.

If you or a family member shows signs of typhoid fever, consult a doctor immediately. Early treatment helps prevent complications and speeds up recovery. 

Use Halodoc to access medical experts and lab services quickly and conveniently.

Don’t hesitate to contact our English-speaking doctor directly from your smartphone using the Halodoc app. Doctors are available 24 hours to answer your questions.

You can also purchase 100% original and trusted health products from the Halodoc Health Store. No need to leave home, delivery in just 1 hour!

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Halodoc app on Play Store or App Store today!

References:

Mayo Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Typhoid Fever: Symptoms & Causes.

Cleveland Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Typhoid Fever.

NHS. Accessed in 2025. Typhoid Fever.

Penn Medicine. Accessed in 2025. Typhoid Fever.

WebMD. Accessed in 2025. Typhoid Fever.