In short: Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caught from food or water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi. Most UK cases are in people returning from South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. A typhoid vaccine is recommended for many travellers to higher-risk countries, but it does not give complete protection, so careful food, water and hand hygiene remain essential. There is no vaccine for the related infection, paratyphoid.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist and based on UK travel health guidance from NaTHNaC and the UKHSA Green Book, explains the risks, symptoms and prevention of typhoid.

What is typhoid fever?

Typhoid and paratyphoid (together called enteric fever) are caused by Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria. They spread when food or water is contaminated with faeces from someone who is ill or who carries the bacteria without symptoms. Infection is most common where sanitation and access to clean water are limited.

Where is typhoid a risk?

South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, where risk to travellers is highest
parts of South East Asia
parts of Africa
parts of Central and South America

Risk is higher for people visiting friends and relatives, staying for long periods, travelling to rural areas, or where hygiene is difficult to maintain. Check the country information on TravelHealthPro for your destination.

What are the symptoms of typhoid?

Symptoms usually begin 10 to 20 days after infection, but can appear sooner or later. They tend to develop gradually and can include:

a fever that rises over several days
headache, aching muscles and feeling generally unwell
loss of appetite and nausea
stomach pain, and constipation or diarrhoea
sometimes a faint rash of pink spots on the chest or abdomen

Without treatment, typhoid can cause serious complications such as bleeding from or a hole (perforation) in the bowel. Anyone who develops a fever during or after travel to a risk area should seek medical advice promptly and say where they have been, as malaria and other infections also need to be ruled out.

How is typhoid treated?

Typhoid is treated with antibiotics, sometimes in hospital. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem, including extensively drug-resistant typhoid reported in Pakistan, so tests are used to choose the right antibiotic. A small number of people become long-term carriers after recovery and need further treatment.

Do I need a typhoid vaccine for travel?

UK guidance recommends a typhoid vaccine for travellers to areas where typhoid is common, depending on the destination, length of stay and planned activities. Two types are available in the UK:

	Injected vaccine	Oral vaccine (capsules)
Type	Inactivated (Vi polysaccharide)	Live attenuated
Doses	One injection	Three capsules taken on alternate days
Age	Usually from 2 years	From 5 years
Protection lasts	About 3 years	About 3 years
Things to know	Ideally given at least 2 weeks before travel	Not suitable for some people with weakened immunity; timing matters with some antibiotics and antimalarials

Combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines have been discontinued in the UK, so the two vaccines are now usually given separately. A booster is advised every three years if you remain at risk. The clinician will decide which vaccine, if any, is right for you.

How can I reduce the risk of typhoid?

Because the vaccine is not 100% effective and does not protect against paratyphoid, food and water hygiene is essential:

Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating, or use alcohol hand gel if soap is not available.
Drink bottled water with an intact seal, or water that has been boiled or properly treated.
Avoid ice unless you know it is made from safe water.
Eat food that is freshly cooked and served piping hot; be cautious with buffets, salads and food left standing.
Peel fruit yourself and avoid unpasteurised milk and dairy.

Frequently asked questions

How long before travel should I have the typhoid vaccine?

Ideally at least two weeks before you travel, though it can still be worth having closer to departure. The oral course needs to be completed before travel; ask a travel health professional about timing.

Can children have the typhoid vaccine?

The injection is usually given from age 2, and in some high-risk situations may be considered from 12 months after an individual risk assessment. The oral vaccine is for children aged 5 and over.

Is typhoid vaccine available on the NHS?

Typhoid vaccine for travel is usually available free from GP practices in England, although availability varies. It can also be given at private travel clinics.

Key takeaways

Typhoid spreads through contaminated food and water and is most common in South Asia.
Seek prompt medical advice for any fever during or after travel.
Vaccination is recommended for many travellers to risk areas and lasts about three years.
No vaccine is fully protective, and none prevents paratyphoid, so food and water hygiene are essential.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Travelling to South Asia, Africa or Latin America? A travel health consultation at Ready Health in Standish, serving Wigan, Chorley and Bolton, can review the vaccines and malaria advice recommended for your trip. Book four to six weeks before you travel if you can.