Food and water sources contaminated with Salmonella typhi bacterium are the most common means of transmission for the disease known as typhoid fever.. Symptoms that accompany infection can include fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, high fever, and occasionally a rash. About 75 percent of typhoid cases reported each year in the U.S. are found to be acquired from abroad, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The typhoid vaccine should be administered to anyone considered at high risk for infection.
Types of Typhoid Vaccines
Two types of vaccines protect against typhoid. One is an inactivated (killed-virus) injection and the other is a live attenuated (weakened) vaccine taken orally. Both vaccines should be given one to two weeks prior to travel to allow time for the vaccine to stimulate an immune response. One dose of inactive typhoid provides protection for two years. The oral typhoid is taken in a total of four doses given two days apart, which provide protection for five years.
Who Should Be Vaccinated
According to the CDC, each year 21 million people worldwide become infected with typhoid, killing 200,000 of those infected. The disappearance of typhoid fever in the U.S. and other industrialized countries can be attributed to modern sanitation techniques and improved hygiene. Due to the decline, routine typhoid vaccinations are no longer recommended in the U.S. However, those traveling to endemic countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa with poor sanitary conditions should receive the typhoid vaccination.
Contraindications
Anyone who experiences a serious reaction to either vaccine should not receive another dose. Those who are currently taking medications or have health conditions that affect the immune system, such as steroid treatments, cancer, or HIV, should be vaccinated with the inactive typhoid instead of the oral typhoid.
Side Effects
The typhoid vaccines, as with any medication, have the potential to cause side effects. The CDC reports that mild reactions associated to the typhoid injection include fever, headache, and a local reaction at the injection site. Mild reactions associated with oral typhoid include fever and headache, with a rare chance of abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Signs of a serious reaction with both vaccines can include hives, wheezing, fast heart rate, difficulty breathing, and paleness. In the event of a serious reaction, a health care provider should be contacted immediately.
Other Preventative Measures
The typhoid vaccine should not be used as a substitute for taking all necessary precautions to protect against infection. Travelers should remain vigilant of all foods and drinks consumed. Drinking bottled water and avoiding fresh produce and raw foods are highly recommended. Also, food sold on street carts should also be avoided as it may not be cooked thoroughly enough to kill any present bacteria.
