Typhoid and Travel: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning a trip abroad? If you're heading somewhere off the beaten path, especially to places where clean water and sanitation may be an issue, you might want to consider protecting yourself against typhoid fever. It's more common than many travellers realise — but fortunately, it’s also preventable.

🦠 What Is Typhoid?

Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It spreads through contaminated food or water, and in some cases, direct contact with an infected person.

💡 Did you know? Every year, typhoid fever causes around 9 million cases and over 100,000 deaths globally — mostly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

🌍 Where in the World Is Typhoid a Risk?

Typhoid is most common in:

• South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal)

• Sub-Saharan Africa

• Southeast Asia

• Latin America

Travellers visiting family, staying in rural areas, or planning extended trips in these regions are at greater risk — especially if eating street food, drinking untreated water, or lacking access to clean facilities.

🧑‍⚕️ Who’s Most at Risk?

You may be at higher risk of typhoid fever if you:

• Are travelling to high-risk countries for more than a few weeks

• Will be backpacking, camping, or staying in basic accommodation

• Plan to eat food from local markets or street vendors

• Are a healthcare or lab worker handling S. typhi

🩺 What Are the Symptoms of Typhoid?

Typhoid can come on gradually, often starting with fatigue and a low-grade fever. It may progress to:

• High, sustained fever

• Abdominal pain or cramps

• Constipation or diarrhoea

• Headache

• Rose-coloured rash (in some cases)

Without treatment, complications such as intestinal bleeding or perforation may occur in up to 15% of hospitalised patients.

⚠️ Severe typhoid can be fatal, with up to 20% mortality if left untreated. Fortunately, early antibiotic treatment brings this down to less than 1%.

⏱️ Incubation Period

Symptoms typically begin 6 to 30 days after exposure, making it hard to link symptoms to the source if you're on an extended trip.

🛡️ Typhoid Prevention for Travellers

The best ways to prevent typhoid fever include:

💉 Typhoid Vaccination Options at Ready Health, Standish

Two typhoid vaccines are currently available in the UK, both offering up to 3 years of protection:

📌 Both vaccines offer similar protection — which you receive will depend on your age, health status, and personal preference.

🗂️ Learn more: Green Book – Typhoid Chapter

📍 Typhoid Travel Clinic in Standish Near Wigan

At Ready Health Clinic, we offer:

• Travel risk assessments tailored to your destination

• Typhoid and other travel vaccinations

• Expert advice on food and water safety

• Support for families, solo travellers, and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) trips

📞 Call 01257 676001 or visit our website to book your travel health consultation.

✅ Serving Wigan, Chorley, Horwich, Bolton, and beyond