Typhus is a disease in which either the Rickettsia typhi or Rickettsia prowazekii infects your body. The lice and fleas found in flying squirrels spread the Rickettsia typhi bacteria while Rickettsia prowazekii is commonly found in elderly patients. Signs of typhus include stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, a rash that begins in the middle of your body and spreads out, says MedlinePlus. Certain antibiotic medications are used to treat typhus.
Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that curbs bacterial growth and may be used to treat typhus, according to MedlinePlus. Diarrhea, vaginal or rectal itching and a sore mouth are a few of its common side effects. Doxycline's serious side effects include a skin rash, a severe headache, stomach pain, trouble breathing and yellowing of the skin. It's taken as a capsule, tablet, syrup or liquid once or two times a day as your doctor prescribes. You should not take this drug with food or milk as it can decrease doxycyclline's effectiveness.
Tetracycline
Drugs.com says that tetracycline is another antibiotic that can destroy the bacteria in your body. A fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting and a fast heartbeat are some of its side effects. It can also cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia), diarrhea and rectal or genital sores. Unfortunately, tetracycline can harm your baby during pregnancy and lead to tooth discoloration. This medication is transferred into your breast milk and can cause your baby to have problems with bone and tooth formation, says Drugs.com. Also, tetracycline increases your chances of developing a sunburn. Wear sunblock to protect your skin. Tetracycline is given as a tablet and you will take it daily as your physician instructs.
Chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol is another antibiotic medication utilized to treat typhus. Its side effects include a sore throat, fever, pale skin and nausea or vomiting, according to Drugs.com. A skin rash, confusion and headache are its other side effects. Chloramphenicol may also cause serious problems with your blood cells. For example, it may lead to anemia (low red blood cells) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels). Anemia can make you fatigued while thrombocytopenia can make you bleed and bruise easily. You can take chloramphenicol as a capsule, solution or intravenous (through your vein) injection. Take it as your physician prescribes it to you.
