There is a serious disease caused by a bacterium called Typhoid.This disease can be acquired through the consumption of contaminated food and water and close contact with an infectious person.The majority of infections in the United States are caused by travel to underdeveloped parts of the world, or the transmission ofbacteria that work in food service jobs.If you or someone close to you have recently traveled, you should know what to look for.
Step 1: Seek medical help as soon as possible.
If treatment for typhoid is not received promptly, it can be life threatening.It is important to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible if you suspect you have it.A family doctor can refer you to an infectious disease specialist.If you can't get a same-day appointment with your family doctor, you may go to the emergency room.Your doctor will ask you for a travel history, as places to which you have traveled is a key factor in the diagnosis of the disease.
Step 2: Understand how the disease is transmitted and what it is.
The most common cause of tetanus is the bacterium Salmonella Typhi.Humans are carriers of the disease.What this means is that fecal remnants get on someone's hands, and then they touch food or water, which is then eaten by another person who has been exposed to the disease.It is possible for people to become carriers of the disease without being aware of it.In under-developed countries, hand hygiene is less enforced.
Step 3: There are signs and symptoms of the disease.
It takes about 1-2 weeks for the illness to show up in your system, so there is a delay after exposure.If appropriate medical treatment is administered, symptoms last 3-4 weeks and then disappear.10% of people have a relapse of symptoms after treatment for common signs and symptoms.If you suspect you may have a disease, be on the lookout for the symptoms.
Step 4: Do not take diagnostic tests by your doctor.
A stool test can be used to find out if you have the disease.It can be detected in the stool when thebacteria enter your body via the gastrointestinal tract.Your doctor will likely do blood tests if the stool test is not conclusive.The blood can be used to detect the infections in the GI tract and other parts of the body.
Step 5: You can learn about other methods of diagnosis.
If a stool test and/or a blood test is insufficient to confirm a diagnosis, your doctor may perform a urine analysis or bone marrow test.Since it tends to be widespread throughout the body, both of these methods can be used to diagnose it.The most precise way to confirm the presence of the Typhibacteria in your body is a bone marrow test.
Step 6: Continue with treatment.
If the disease is confirmed, it is usually treated with antibiotics.The two most commonly prescribed antibiotics are ciprofloxacin and rocephin.The antibiotics should be taken by your physician.About 20% of people died of the disease before antibiotics were used.Prompt medical evaluation and follow through with treatment are important when it comes to a serious illness.
Step 7: Follow your treatment plan.
If you take a prescribed antibiotic that is effective against the strain of typhoid you are carrying, you may start to feel better.Continue to take antibiotics even if you feel better.The type ofbacteria is still present.It likes to live in people that are sick.If you care for small children or prepare food for others, you should take precautions to make sure you don't have coliform.You can't work in food preparation or child care until your doctor clears you.Repeated testing of stool samples or blood cultures is needed to make sure you are no longer carrying the disease.
Step 8: You should wash your hands.
If it gets on your hands, it's easy to pass it on to someone else.After using the bathroom, wash your hands with warm soap and water.Continue until you have been cleared by your doctor that you don't have any signs of the disease.
Step 9: There are new symptoms to watch for.
You are at risk for getting sick again even though you have been treated.If you experience any symptoms that suggest a relapse, contact your doctor.
Step 10: Get the vaccine.
You should talk to your doctor about getting a vaccine if you plan to travel to underdeveloped countries.Both oral and injections are available for vaccinations in the United States.In the form of a capsule, oral doses are given.Every other day, this is a series of four doses.The series should be completed at least one week before you travel.Boosters are required every five years for this type of vaccine.Only one vaccine is required and should be completed at least two weeks before you travel.Boosters are required every two years for vaccines.Let your doctor know if you have ever had an episode of the disease before you get the vaccine.You should not receive the vaccine if you are a carrier.