With winters coming to a halt and autumn season kicking in, typhoid fever is one of the most common illnesses to expect to surge this weather. For the unversed, typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that originates from and spreads through contaminated food and water. Salmonella Typhi is the bacteria that causes typhoid fever, and once it is ingested, it goes on to spread and multiply in our bloodstream.

Identifying typhoid symptoms early is the key to preventing and managing the condition in the earlier stages. Although keeping your surroundings clean and eating and drinking fresh food and water is like half the battle won, educating yourself about typhoid fever symptoms does a long way in preventing and managing the condition. 

Typical Typhoid Fever Symptoms to Watch Out for

Although typhoid fever symptoms are quite similar to those of a flu infection, being aware of the distinct signs and symptoms of typhoid fever is important. While the flu infection starts as soon as the person is inflicted with the bacteria, typhoid fever symptoms take about 1 to 2 weeks to exhibit once a person is infected with Salmonella Typhi bacteria. 

Here are some of the early and sneaky typhoid fever symptoms you should always take note of:

1. Persistent High Fever

One of the most noticeable and early typhoid fever symptoms is persistently high fever. The body raises its temperature as one of the first defense mechanisms against bacterial infection. In cases of typhoid fever, the patient may feel sudden bouts of chills along with high-grade fever. However, not all high-grade fevers are typhoid or sure-shot signs of typhoid fever symptoms.

1. Headache

One of the most apparent signs of typhoid fever symptoms is headache along with the fever. However, a headache is a common symptom and may have multiple causes, a headache accompanying fever is commonly seen in typhoid infections. It happens because Salmonella Typhi, the bacteria that causes typhoid, attacks the body’s vital organs once it is ingested in the body.

1. Loss of Appetite

As common as fever and headache, loss of appetite or hunger is also one of the classic typhoid fever symptoms. This continues as a pattern as the patient may feel a sudden loss of hunger after going through headache, fever, and fatigue. The reason behind losing hunger is that the bacteria that causes typhoid fever also attacks the patient’s gastrointestinal system (e.g., liver, intestine, gall bladder), leading to a gradual decline in interest in food. 

1. Lethargy or Fatigue

Since your body is reeling under the attack of typhoid bacteria, the patient may feel typical typhoid symptoms like lethargy, nausea, tiredness (fatigue), and feeling of dizziness. The patient may feel a subsequent drain of energy even without lifting a finger.

1. Diarrhoea and Vomiting

As soon as the bacteria causing typhoid fever enters the patient’s stomach, it causes the body to feel nausea and vomiting, ultimately leading to dehydration. The pathogens attacking the gut can cause moderate to intense diarrhoea and vomiting.

1. Abdominal Pain

Salmonella Typhi bacteria, when it enters the patient's body, it makes its way toward the gut, causing stomach pain or abdominal pain. Although not all cases of stomach pain need a medical practitioner’s attention, if one notices no improvements, one should see the doctor right away.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Typhoid Fever

If the patient exhibits all or some of the typhoid fever symptoms above, they may be asked to undergo some lab tests and declare travel history to reach a diagnosis. The tests required to confirm typhoid fever diagnosis include blood, urine, and stool samples. 

In most cases, the patients with typhoid fever symptoms are treated with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotics will depend on antibiotic sensitivity. Important to note that all patients with typhoid infections will not have positive tests. Many a times doctor will give treatment based on clinical symptoms also.

Typhoid Fever Precautions – How to Prevent Typhoid Fever

The best way to prevent typhoid fever. Eating fresh food and drinking clean water from non-contaminated sources is the key to preventing typhoid fever.

Here are some recommended safe food practices to prevent getting typhoid fever:

• If the patient is diagnosed with typhoid or exhibiting typhoid symptoms, they should refrain from cooking for others.
• It is important to wash and clean your hands with soap and clean water before and after preparing food and eating. Washing hands after defecation is immensely important.
• Cleaning food preparation dishes with a mild disinfectant mixed with dishwashing liquid goes a long way in ensuring the prevention of typhoid-causing bacteria.
• Avoid eating outside or from unhygienic places during monsoon season. One must ensure eating balanced, home-cooked food always.
• If one is unsure of the source of drinking water, it is recommended to use bottled water for drinking and preparing food.

In conclusion, being aware of the subtle signs of typhoid is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment. If untreated, as many as 30% of diagnosed typhoid cases can prove to be fatal. As untreated typhoid can lead to internal bleeding ulcers, and encephalopathy (i.e., brain involvement).

By recognizing symptoms such as prolonged fever, abdominal discomfort, and headache, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your health and prevent potential complications. 

Stay vigilant, prioritize your well-being, and seek medical attention if you suspect any symptoms. Your health is your greatest asset.