Do I need the typhoid vaccine for my trip?

What is typhoid fever ?
 

Epidemiology

Typhoid fever affects about 21 million people and kills 216,000 to 600,000 worldwide each year.

The fever is caused by a bacterial infection, including sepsis related to this infectious agent (infection of the whole body linked to the release into the blood of toxins secreted by certain bacteria). This bacterial infection can be very serious or even fatal in the absence of diagnosis and rapid management. In severe forms without treatment, the evolution can be fatal in 10% of the cases for the underdeveloped countries. The treatment of typhoid fever is based on antibiotic medication.

Typhoid fever (and its salmonella typhi bacteria) is most commonly transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the stool of an infected person. It is more common in areas where hygiene is bad. You are therefore at risk of traveling to developing countries with poor health conditions in South Asia, Africa or Latin America.

To learn more, consult a professional Health Travel Council member

Risk behavior in countries affected by the disease
 

• Consumption of contaminated milk (unpasteurized)
• Consumption of seafood living in water contaminated with stool
• Consumption of root vegetables (carrots, cassava, potatoes, leeks, etc.) grown on contaminated soil
• Using contaminated toilets, then putting your hands in your mouth

Necessary precautions:

• Get vaccinated
• Pay attention to what you eat and drink
• Wash your hands often
• Watch your health

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In which case should you receive the typhoid vaccine?

The disease is mainly manifested by a fever that gradually rises to 40 ° C, headaches, insomnia, fatigue and anorexia. The fever may be accompanied by digestive signs (abdominal pain, stomach ache, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting). The symptoms can last several weeks.

You are going on a trip

A typhoid vaccination program is recommended for travelers (adults and children aged 2 and over) who are required to stay for long periods or in poor conditions in countries where hygiene is precarious and where the disease is present, especially in India and neighboring countries. Vaccination must be carried out fifteen days before departure on the trip.

You are coming back from trip?

If you develop symptoms similar to those of typhoid fever when traveling or after you return and you think you have contracted typhoid fever, consult a health-travel professional member of Health Travel Council and inform them of the areas in which you have traveled or lived.

The illness usually takes one to three weeks to appear after the person has been infected.

Symptoms after vaccination

There are two types of vaccines: an oral vaccine and an injectable vaccine.

Symptoms may be caused by the vaccine (eg, redness where the injection was made).

Other problems may occur by chance and have no connection with the health product (eg colds, gastro, headache).

The injectable vaccine against typhoid is safe. In most cases, the available vaccines cause no reaction.

Allergic to vaccine ?

Wait 15 minutes before leaving the place where you received the vaccine. If an allergic reaction occurs, symptoms will appear a few minutes after vaccination.

Risk areas:

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