Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are life-threatening illnesses caused by Salmonella serotype Typhi and Salmonella serotype Paratyphi. 

Most people in the United States with typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever become infected while traveling abroad, most often to countries where these diseases are common. If you plan to travel outside of the United States, find out if you need the typhoid fever vaccine. Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are most common in parts of the world where water and food may be unsafe and sanitation is poor. These places include parts of East and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America (www.cdc.gov).

Symptoms

Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever have similar symptoms̵. People usually have a sustained fever (one that doesn’t come and go) that can be as high as 103–104°F (39–40°C). Other symptoms of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever include

• Weakness
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Cough
• Loss of appetite

Some people with typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.

Prevention

Practice safe eating and drinking habits. Carefully selecting what you eat and drink when you travel is important because typhoid fever vaccines do not work 100% of the time and there isn’t a paratyphoid fever vaccine. Safe eating and drinking will also help protect you from other illnesses, including travelers’ diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis A.

When you travel to areas of risk, remember to “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.”

• Buy bottled water or bring local water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before you drink it. Bottled carbonated water is safer than uncarbonated water.
• Ask for drinks without ice, unless the ice is made from bottled or boiled water. Avoid popsicles and flavored ices that may have been made with contaminated water.
• Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot and steaming.
• Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. Lettuce can remain contaminated even after it is washed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before eating.
• Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors unless steaming hot. (www.cdc.gov)

4 Best Home Remedies For Typhoid Fever

1. Drink lots of fluids: Diseases like typhoid often lead to dehydration; therefore, the patient should at all times keep themselves hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. The fluids can be water, fresh fruit juices, herbal tea, etc. Water is known as the elixir of life. It helps us stay hydrated and it is extremely important for maintaining water levels for a healthy and disease-free life. Typhoid might cause diarrhea, therefore intake of fresh juices will help in getting rid of toxins and other waste materials from the body. It also provides the required nutrients to boost the immune system and fight bacterial infection.

2. Garlic: Garlic is bestowed with a wide variety of health benefits and can be extremely helpful for curing typhoid fever. It contains antioxidants and acts as a blood purifier. It helps the kidney flush out unwanted substances from the body; thus, cleansing the system. However, it is should be consumed raw or semi-cooked to make the most of its benefits. It fosters the healing process and boosts the immunity of the person suffering from typhoid fever. It works great as one of the home remedies for typhoid fever.

3. Holy Basil: Holy Basil is a popular herb that eases inflammation and joint pains which are common with home remedies for typhoid fever. It is also included in many Ayurvedic medicines and is said to cure many diseases including malaria. It can be infused with tea or can be boiled with water or consumed with honey by the person suffering from typhoid. It can also be infused with ginger juice or black pepper for quick relief. The antibacterial properties of basil help in removing the bacteria that cause typhoid.

4. Cold compress: A person down with typhoid suffers from a high fever that stays for days; therefore, it is very important to maintain a normal body temperature. This can be achieved with the help of a cold compress which is a cloth damp with cold water. It is then put on the patient’s forehead, armpits, feet, and hands. However, the water used in this process should not be too cold and the cloth should be changed from time to time for best results.