Typhoid Fever Travel Advice Guide

For those adventurous travelers ready to take on the world, it is worth their time to learn about Typhoid Fever and how they can protect themselves from catching it. Typhoid is a virus common to many underdeveloped countries and to regions in Asia, Africa, and South America.

If you or someone you know is planning to visit one of these areas, and even move there long term as an expat or digital nomad, you will want to learn what this virus is, how it is spread, and where it is found. 

To help you prepare for your trip, this article will explain where you can catch Typhoid, the hygiene habits you can implement to prevent it, the vaccine you should get, and the travel insurance and health insurance options available for you in the event you do become sick.

When finished with this article, check out the 14 most common diseases while traveling abroad! Many expats and digital nomads find the guide helpful for their travels!

Where Can I Get Typhoid Fever While Traveling?

If you are a traveler or digital nomad planning to travel or move torab Eastern and Southern Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, or Central and South America, you are at a higher risk of catching Typhoid Fever. This infection is most common in underdeveloped countries.

Places where Typhoid Fever is most often spread:

• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Most countries of South-East Asia
• Countries in Africa
• Countries in the Middle East
• Countries in the South Pacific
• Papua New Guinea

This disease is less common in:

• East Asia
• Africa
• The Caribbean
• Central and South America

Typhoid is quite rare in:

• The United States
• Canada
• Western Europe
• Australia
• Japan

Who is At Risk of Catching Typhoid?

Travelers going to developing countries and/or planning to visit small cities and rural areas in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are at the greatest risk. Expats moving to these regions will have prolonged exposure, increasing their chances of catching this infection as well.

If you plan to visit friends or family in regions with Typhoid, you are also at a heightened risk because you may:

• Stay longer in the country
• Be less selective in the foods and drinks you consume
• Eat food prepared in local homes
• Forget to get vaccinated before traveling

Any country with unsafe water supplies and/or poor sanitation is at a higher risk.

Typhoid Fever Explained Simply

Typhoid Fever is an infection caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. The infection usually targets the gut and bloodstream and can cause symptoms such as a high fever, a headache, and general aches and pains. If it goes untreated, it can progress and become life-threatening.

On average, Typhoid affects about 11-21 million people worldwide every year.

Is Typhoid Fever Contagious?

Typhoid Fever is contagious from person to person. It usually spreads through food and water that has become contaminated with the bacteria from another infected person who hasn’t washed their hands well after using the toilet.

To avoid becoming contaminated, you will want to get in the practice of:

• Washing your hands frequently
• Taking precautions about what you eat and drink

These practices can also help protect you from other infections you can get while traveling, such as Hepatitis A and Tuberculosis. 

Typhoid Fever Travel Vaccine

The Typhoid Fever vaccine is recommended for the majority of travelers going international. It is especially recommended when going to Asia and Africa as many of their regions spread typhoid that is resistant to drugs.

There are two types of vaccines available in the US: an oral Typhoid vaccine and an injectable Typhoid vaccine.

1. Oral Typhoid Vaccine: Given to individuals 6 years old or older. It has 4 pills that you take every other day. You should finish all 4 doses at least one week before traveling. Its effectiveness lasts up to 5 years before it must be administered again.
2. Injectable Typhoid Vaccine: Given to individuals 2 years old or older. It should be given at least two weeks before traveling. Its effectiveness lasts up to 2 years before it must be administered again.

This chart makes it easy to compare the two vaccines side by side.

Because of supply limitations, there is no guarantee an oral vaccine will be available at all locations. You should consult with your doctor about which type of vaccine is right for you before making a decision.

How to Avoid Typhoid Fever While Traveling Abroad

To avoid getting Typhoid while traveling or moving abroad, you must practice good hygiene and take food and water precautions. Washing your hands and dishes regularly with soap and water is a must. You will also want to take care only to eat foods served hot or refrigerated properly.

Here are some hygiene precautions for safe travel.

Hygiene Care:

• Practicing careful hand washing by washing before eating and drinking, preparing goods, after touching animals, after visiting food markets, and after using the toilet
• Practicing personal hygiene
• Use hand sanitizer if hand soap is not available
• Don’t touch your face and mouth with your hands

Dietary Care:

• Drinking safe water
• Following strict food and water precautions about what you put into your body
• Eating foods that have been cooked and are still steaming hot
• Avoid eating foods that have not been kept hot or refrigerated
• Wash all your dishes with soup and water
• Only drink bottled or canned water made by a manufacturer you know, and if the seal has not been broken
• Drinking safe beverages, such as hot tea and coffee, beer, wine, sealed fizzy drinks, and pasteurized juices
• Avoid drinking raw milk or meals cooked with raw milk
• Avoid ice unless you know it came from safe water
• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw
• Avoid food from a buffet that’s been sitting for a while

If you are an expatriate moving for an extended period of time to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, or Central and South America, it may take some adaptations to your regular routine to make these dietary precautions your new habits.

What Happens if a Tourist Gets Sick Abroad With Typhoid Fever?

If a tourist becomes infected with Typhoid while abroad, they can begin an antibiotic treatment with a local provider. If, however, you are in an area with unreliable or unsafe medical care, having international health insurance can help you get the coverage and treatment you need.

Pacific Prime has phenomenal short-term travel insurance plans as well as insurance for expatriates moving abroad. You can travel easier knowing that in the event you or your loved ones happen upon a medical emergency, your insurance providers could get you taken care of.

To invest in your health, check out the insurance plans available in the continent you plan to visit:

• Africa
• Asia
• Middle East
• Australasia

Common Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

When infection of Typhoid Fever starts, patients usually feel nauseous, have a fever, a headache, and aches and pains. They may also lose their appetite. The elderly and young children may feel constipated or develop diarrhea. Occasionally a rash may appear.

When someone becomes sick with typhoid, they may develop:

• Weakness
• A cough
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• A headache
• A rash with flat, rose-colored spots
• A fever
• Fatigue

If not treated, the symptoms will progress and become more serious, potentially leading to fatal complications. 

Common Treatments for Typhoid Fever

Typhoid Fever can be treated with an antibiotic. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly and take the antibiotic for the full length of time prescribed. Even if your symptoms stop, you may still carry the bacteria and be contagious to others. Be sure to keep washing your hands.

A test of your blood, urine, stool or bone marrow can tell you if you have Typhoid or not. To learn more about treatment plans for Typhoid, read what the Mayo Clinic has to say about it.

Conclusion

For travelers, digital nomads, and expatriates who plan to visit Eastern and Southern Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, or Central and South America, you will want to prepare against Typhoid Fever. If you were to catch this virus, and if it became severe, your life may be on the line.

Your level of risk, however, depends on which countries you plan to visit if you plan to go to underdeveloped regions, and whether or not your destination has clean water and proper sanitation. Typhoid spreads through contact to infected urine or stool, so ensuring to only eat and drink properly prepared foods and beverages is essential.

Thankfully, there is a vaccine you can also get that will make your immune system stronger in the event you are exposed to Typhoid. You’ll just want to plan ahead to get this vaccine either 1 or 2 weeks before your trip, depending on whether or not you get the oral or injected vaccine.

And ultimately, getting international health insurance can ease your mind in the case a medical emergency does arise. Particularly if you are someone moving abroad, having a steady source of medical coverage can bring you peace of mind and let you focus on the fun part—exploring the world!

It may also be worth your time to learn about the 14 most common diseases caught when traveling abroad, such as rabies, so you can prepare yourself before you leave.

Safe travels!

• Author
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Martin Lee

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Martin is a writer and translator with over 10 years of experience. He writes articles and blog posts, creates infographics and videos, translates between Chinese and English, and more. Skilled at explaining complicated concepts in layman’s terms, Martin believes the gold standard of translation is attained when the translated text is not only accurate, but also reads like an original text. Martin holds a degree in Economics from the University of London, UK.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.

In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.

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