Typhoid vaccine travel

Overview

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food and water. It is common in parts of the world with poor sanitation. The typhoid vaccine helps protect travellers who visit these areas.

Typhoid fever is rare in countries with good sanitation, such as the UK. However, it is common in many low- and middle-income countries where clean water and proper sewage systems are lacking.

Anyone can get typhoid fever if they eat or drink contaminated food or water. Travellers to areas where typhoid is common are at higher risk, especially if they are not careful about what they eat and drink.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High fever that gradually rises over several days
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms in children

• Fever
• Diarrhoea that may be bloody
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Poor feeding or dehydration

Symptoms in older adults

• Fever that may be less obvious
• Confusion or changes in mental state
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation or diarrhoea

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with Salmonella Typhi bacteria
• Eating food or drinking water contaminated with the bacteria (often from someone who is infected but may not have symptoms)

Risk factors

• Travelling to countries where typhoid is common (parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East)
• Eating raw or undercooked food from street vendors or unhygienic places
• Drinking tap water or using ice made from tap water in high-risk areas
• Not washing hands properly after using the toilet or before handling food
• Living with or caring for someone who has typhoid fever

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a high fever and have recently returned from a country where typhoid is common
• If you have severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or signs of dehydration
• If you have blood in your stool or vomit

Book a routine appointment if:

• Before travelling to a high-risk area, talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about the typhoid vaccine at least 2 weeks before you travel
• If you have ongoing stomach symptoms after travel that do not improve

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose typhoid fever by asking about your symptoms and travel history, and by testing samples of your blood, stool, or sometimes urine.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test (blood culture) – the most common way to confirm typhoid
• Stool test (stool culture) – can detect the bacteria in your bowel movements
• Bone marrow test – rarely needed but can be done if other tests are unclear

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will take a blood sample or ask for a stool sample. Results may take a few days. While waiting, you may be advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid spreading the infection to others.

Treatment

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics. It is important to see a doctor quickly so that treatment can start as soon as possible. Most people recover fully with proper care.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of clean, safe fluids to prevent dehydration
• Rest until your fever goes away and you feel better
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating
• Avoid preparing food for others while you are ill
• Take any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and finish the full course

Medical treatments

Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics taken by mouth. In severe cases, you may need to be in hospital for antibiotics given through a vein (intravenously) and fluids. Your doctor will choose the right antibiotic based on the type of typhoid bacteria and local resistance patterns.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for typhoid fever. It may be considered only if complications develop, such as a hole in the intestine (perforation) or severe bleeding.

Living with this condition

While you have typhoid fever, you will need to rest and stay at home to recover and avoid spreading the infection. You should not go to work, school, or travel until your doctor says you are no longer contagious.

Lifestyle tips

• Practice good hand hygiene — wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before touching food
• Do not share food, drinks, or utensils with others
• Clean and disinfect surfaces you touch often (like door handles, taps, toilet seats)
• Avoid swimming or using public pools until you are fully recovered

Diet and exercise

Eat light, easy-to-digest foods like soups, rice, and toast. Avoid spicy, fatty, or raw foods. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solution. Gentle activity like walking can be resumed once your energy returns, but listen to your body and rest as needed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being ill with typhoid can be stressful and may affect your mood, especially if you are away from home or worried about the infection. It is normal to feel anxious or tired. Talk to your doctor or a trusted person about how you feel.

Prevention

Yes, typhoid fever can be prevented. The most important steps are getting the typhoid vaccine if you are travelling to a high-risk area, and practising safe food and water hygiene.

Vaccines

There are two types of typhoid vaccine: an injectable vaccine (given as a shot) and an oral vaccine (taken as capsules). Both are safe and effective. The vaccine is recommended for travellers to countries where typhoid is common. You should get it at least 2 weeks before you travel. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic for advice on which vaccine is right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for typhoid in healthy people. If you have been in close contact with someone who has typhoid, your doctor may recommend testing or preventive antibiotics.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe dehydration
• Bleeding in the intestines
• A hole in the intestine (perforation), which can be life-threatening
• Spread of infection to other parts of the body (e.g., bones, joints, brain lining)
• Chronic carrier state – some people continue to carry and shed the bacteria after recovery, potentially infecting others

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment, most people with typhoid fever recover fully within a few weeks. The typhoid vaccine is very effective at preventing the disease. Even if you do get sick, antibiotics usually work well. Complications are rare when treatment is given early. Practising good hygiene and getting vaccinated before travel give you excellent protection.

Find support

Local organisations

• Your local travel clinic or GP surgery · UK and other countries
• NHS Travel Health Advice · UK

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