Introduction:
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection. It spreads throughout the body, affecting many organs. Typhoid fever results from Salmonella enterica serotype typhi (Salmonella typhi). It is a gram-negative bacteria that only causes disease in man. The organism is ingested through contaminated food and water and survives in the stomach acid. It spreads through hematogenous and lymphatic routes. It is commonly seen in areas that have poor sanitation. It is highly contagious. Typhoid vaccines are recommended in the areas where typhoid fever is frequently observed.
How Does Typhoid Fever Spread?
Typhoid is caused by the bacterium called Salmonella Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water. People with a history of typhoid carry the bacteria in their intestinal tract and blood. Those who recover from typhoid fever continue to carry the bacteria. Sick and healed people are carriers of Salmonella typhi and shed it in their stools. Additionally, sewage or drinking water contamination can transmit typhoid illness, which can then pollute water used for food washing and other purposes.
What Are the Available Typhoid Vaccines?
Typhoid vaccines can help in the prevention of vaccines. There are two types of vaccines available to prevent typhoid. There are two types of vaccines available: an oral live attenuated vaccine and an injectable inactive vaccine. The oral live attenuated vaccine should not be used in immunocompromised patients, including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) patients, patients on steroids, or cancer patients on chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It is essential to avoid infected persons, food, and water even after one has been vaccinated. The typhoid vaccine should be given only under the supervision of a doctor.
Why Is the Typhoid Vaccine Standardization Important?
The first set of WHO guidelines regarding the efficacy, safety, and quality of typhoid conjugate vaccines was approved by the ECBS (Expert Committee on Biological Standardization) in October 2013. Many noteworthy developments have occurred since then, including the development of new WHO global guidelines, and the WHO's prequalification of typhoid conjugate vaccines.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
If typhoid is suspected, contact the healthcare provider immediately. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for:
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It is recommended for travelers traveling to any part of the world, especially in regions where typhoid fever is common, like South Asia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
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People have a previous history of typhoid fever.
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Laboratory workers who are closely working with Salmonella typhi bacteria.
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The people who are suffering from typhoid.
When Should One Get Vaccinated?
Live Attenuated Vaccine (Oral)
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Four capsules are taken in total, one every other day. At least one week prior to departure, the last dosage should be administered.
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Avoid chewing the capsule; instead, swallow the pill an hour before having meals with cold or lukewarm water.
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After every five years, a booster dose is needed for the people who remain at risk.
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As typhoid vaccines lose effectiveness with time, live attenuated oral vaccines require a booster every five years.
Inactivated Vaccine (Injectable)
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One dose provides protection.
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This dose should be given at least two weeks before traveling for the vaccine to work.
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After every two years, a booster dose is recommended for the people who remain at risk.
Who Should Not Get the Typhoid Vaccine?
Live attenuated vaccine (Oral)
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Live attenuated vaccines are avoided in children below six years.
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It is avoided in patients allergic to any of the components of the typhoid vaccine.
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It is not given to patients with a history of allergic reactions to the previous dose.
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It is not advised in severely ill patients and can be scheduled after the patient recovers.
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Immunocompromised patients with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), cancer, or any other immune-system-compromising illness, or those taking immune-suppressive medications, are not given it.
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It is not given to patients undergoing treatment for cancer.
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It is not given to patients who are on steroids.
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Oral typhoid vaccine should not be given immediately, should wait for at least three to four days after taking certain antibiotics.
Inactivated vaccine (Injectable)
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The inactivated vaccine should not be given to ill patients. However, it can be scheduled after the recovery of the patient.
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Allergies of any components of the typhoid vaccine. They should speak to the doctor about the allergies, if any.
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Any allergic reaction to the previous dose of typhoid vaccine should not take the other amount.
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The inactivated vaccine should not be given to children younger than two.
What Are the Contraindications of the Typhoid Vaccine?
The contraindications of the typhoid vaccine are as follows:
Live Attenuated Vaccine (Oral)
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Immunocompromised patients with HIV or AIDS.
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Cancer patients.
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Patients on steroids for longer than two weeks.
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Precaution is advised to be taken in female patients of reproductive age.
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Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Injectable Vaccine
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Allergic to typhoid vaccine or its components.
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Avoided in patients receiving interferon-gamma 1 b.
What Are the Associated Side Effects of the Typhoid Vaccine?
Adverse effects of the typhoid vaccine include:
Oral Typhoid Vaccine
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Nausea.
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Headache.
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Fever.
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Abdominal pain.
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Vomiting.
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Skin rash.
Injectable Typhoid Vaccine
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Malaise.
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Nausea.
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Diarrhea.
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Tenderness and pain were observed on the injection site.
What if There Is a Serious Reaction?
If individuals feel like they have a severe reaction, they must look for a few signs:
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High fever.
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Change in the behavior.
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Severe allergic reaction a few hours after the vaccination.
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Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, swelling of the face and throat, dizziness, weakness, hives, itching of hands and feet, and chest pain seen immediately or a few hours after the vaccination.
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Visit the healthcare provider immediately after one finds such signs of an allergic reaction.
How Can Typhoid Fever Be Avoided?
The following things can be done to avoid typhoid fever:
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Boil water before drinking.
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Avoid eating and drinking food outside.
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Get vaccinated against typhoid.
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Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly.
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Food and vegetables from street vendors should be avoided.
Conclusion:
Typhoid vaccines are not 100 percent effective. One should always practice safe drinking and eating habits to prevent infection. Taking antibiotics will not prevent typhoid fever; it can only treat it.
