A typhoid vaccination is recommended for any American traveler planning on visiting parts of South East Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Africa. Although these places aren’t where most American families go to spend their vacation, many of us still to go whether for pleasure or business. Typhoid is a disease that is best left where it is and not brought home with you.
With apologies to those with weak stomachs, typhoid is spread from ingesting food or water that is tainted by infected feces. That’s right, poop. In many of the locations mentioned above, hygiene standards are not very high. Eating food handled from someone who has the disease is an easy way to come down with it yourself. The name of the organism that causes the disease is salmonella typhi.
A vaccination will help keep you healthy, but if you are unlucky enough to travel to one of these hotspots and not be immunized, symptoms include loss of appetite (not to be surprised!), prolonged high fever, headache, coughing and diarrhea. Typhoid is treated with a strong course of antibiotics.
To keep you healthy while abroad visit a certified travel clinic for a typhoid vaccination. There are currently two versions, a live virus that is administered orally, and an inactivated virus form that is administered by mouth. Either way you decide to go, a vaccination is the smart choice.
If you happen to live in the NY area and are in need of a certified travel clinic, log onto Travel Clinic NYC or call 1-212-696-5900 for more info and to set up and appointment. Typhoid is still out there plaguing American travelers. Don’t be one of them.
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