The causes , symptoms , treatment and remedies of typhoid fever are given below: - Typhoid fever is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi. The virus is spread mainly through contaminated food and water. These bacteria are located in the bloodstream and intestinal tract of the infected person, multiply and spread to the bloodstream. As a result, various symptoms including fever appear. Causes of typhoid fever and the means of transmission: This disease is caused by two types of bacterial infections. ‘Salmonella typhi’ and ‘Salmonella paratyfi’. The fever caused by Salmonella typhi infection is called typhoid fever or 'enteric fever'. Fever caused by a bacterium called Salmonella paratyphoid is called paratyphoid fever. The virus enters the body mainly through ingestion of contaminated water and food. It can also enter the body due to indifference towards cleanliness. There have also been cures for typhoid fever but a small number of people who carry these bacteria can also be carriers of the disease. The germs invade the large intestine as soon as it enters the body. In addition, these bacteria accumulate in the gallbladder of the body and attack only when found in a suitable environment. Who is more at risk of typhoid! Typhoid can occur at any age , but children are more likely to be infected. There is no such thing as typhoid if the germs enter the body , because if the body has a good immune system, the germs will not be able to infect the body. However, people with low immunity such as HIV positive and AIDS patients can easily get typhoid. Even if you travel to areas where the disease is more prevalent, you are more likely to be infected with the virus. Symptoms of typhoid fever: - Symptoms of the disease usually appear 10 to 14 days after the germs enter the body. Fever is the main symptom of the disease which increases in the first four-five days. Fever sometimes increases , sometimes decreases ; However, no time is left completely. The symptoms are as follows: * Fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. * Headache , body aches and physical weakness may occur with fever . * Some people may have constipation including loss of appetite. * In children, diarrhea and vomiting may occur. * Patient may have cough or phlegm including body massage. * Severe abdominal pain may be felt. * In the second week, the patient may appear pink rash on the abdomen and back. Some people have a cough with fever. Heart rate may be reduced. There may be a fever for a week while taking the medicine. How is typhoid fever detected ? Only a doctor can tell if someone has typhoid fever after the test. A blood test called blood culture is needed to quickly detect typhoid. Typhoid and para-typhoid are distinguished by type if the presence of bacteria called Salmonella is found in the sample. Also, in the 2nd week of fever, a type of nonspecific blood test called "Vidal test" is done to determine the typhoid by looking at the titer. The treatment of typhoid fever is mainly by doctors treating typhoid fever with antibiotics. It may take up to five days for the fever to subside, even after the start of certain antibiotics. Typhoid fever can last for weeks or months if not treated quickly. In addition the patient may suffer from other complications. In addition to treatment, the patient needs to be given plenty of fluids , as he may be dehydrated due to chronic fever and diarrhea. In case of severe dehydration, liquid food can also be given intravenously. Patients with typhoid need complete rest. If the fever is high, the whole body should be wiped with a wet towel. High calorie rich foods should be taken to recover lost nutrients during illness. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water after each bathroom use. The most important thing is to take antibiotics for as long as the doctor recommends. The only way to prevent typhoid fever is to get a vaccine for typhoid fever, as prescribed by a doctor . Both injectable and oral vaccines are available on the market. You need to consult a doctor about getting vaccinated. I hope you understand. Thank you. If you want to know more, please comment. Source : Dear Teacher, Prof. Dr. SK Mitra