Typhoid (typhoid fever) is a serious disease. It is caused by bacteria calledSalmonellaTyphi. Typhoid causes a high fever, weakness, stomach pains, headache, loss of appetite, and sometimes a rash. If it is not treated, it can kill up to 30% of people who get it.
Some people who get typhoid become ''carriers,'' who can spread the disease to others. Generally, people get typhoid from contaminated food or water. Typhoid is not common in the U.S., and most U.S. citizens who get the disease get it while traveling. Typhoid strikes about 21 million people a year around the world and kills about 200,000. Typhoid vaccine can prevent typhoid.
There are two vaccines to prevent typhoid. One is an inactivated (killed) vaccine gotten as a shot, and the other is live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine which is taken orally (by mouth).
Routine typhoid vaccination is not recommended in the United States, but typhoid vaccine is recommended for:
Inactivated Typhoid Vaccine (Shot)
Live Typhoid Vaccine (Oral)
Either vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Inactivated Typhoid Vaccine (Shot)
Live Typhoid Vaccine (Oral)
A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Serious problems from either of the two typhoid vaccines are very rare.
Mild Problems (Inactivated Typhoid Vaccine [Shot]):
Mild Problems (Live Typhoid Vaccine [Oral])
What should I look for?
What should I do?
In the rare event that you or your child has a serious reaction to a vaccine, a federal program has been created to help pay for the care of those who have been harmed.
For details about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, call1-800-338-2382or visit the program's website at Web Site.
Typhoid Vaccine Information Statement. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Program. 5/19/2004.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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