Typoid
Typoid
Typoid
Typhoid fever is a serious and sometimes life-threatening ________ (1) that mostly affects
people in developing countries, where clean water and other ________(2) measures are hard
to come by. The disease usually causes symptoms that include a _______ (3), a stomachache,
and achiness. It can be cured with ________(4). If you live in the U.S. the chances of
someone in your family getting typhoid fever are slim. But if you're planning to ________ (5)
to a foreign country, especially one in the tropics, it's a good idea to know about typhoid
fever. Before you travel, get ________(6) against the disease and learn about safety
precautions regarding food and water.
Preventing Infection
There are two typhoid vaccines available in the U.S. One is a series of capsules and the other
an injection. In certain cases, a booster is sometimes needed. The typhoid vaccine is not a
routine childhood vaccination, so if your child will be traveling to an area where typhoid
fever is common, you'll need to ask your doctor for the vaccine. Kids should be vaccinated at
least 1 to 2 weeks before traveling. This gives the vaccine time to take effect. Even if your
child has been vaccinated, keep in mind that vaccines are not completely effective and lose
effectiveness over time, so make sure you and your child take the following precautions in
high-risk areas:
Sanitize water. Boil or disinfect any water that will be used for drinking, washing or
preparing food, making ice, or brushing teeth. Better yet, try to drink only bottled water
(carbonated is safer than regular) or other drinks that come in cans or bottles, but wipe the
outside of the can or bottle before drinking from it. Tell kids to avoid tap water, fountain
drinks, and ice cubes, and remind them to not swallow any water in the shower or bath.
Cook all food. Fully cook all food, and avoid food from street vendors and food stored or
served at room temperature. Instead, serve packaged foods or meals that are freshly
cooked and served steaming hot.
Preventing Infection
There are two typhoid vaccines available in the U.S. One is a series of capsules and the other
an injection. In certain cases, a booster is sometimes needed. The typhoid vaccine is not a
routine childhood vaccination, so if your child will be traveling to an area where typhoid
fever is common, you'll need to ask your doctor for the vaccine. Kids should be vaccinated at
least 1 to 2 weeks before traveling. This gives the vaccine time to take effect. Even if your
child has been vaccinated, keep in mind that vaccines are not completely effective and lose
effectiveness over time, so make sure you and your child take the following precautions in
high-risk areas:
Avoid raw food. Avoid raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables that may have been washed
with contaminated water, especially lettuce and fruits like berries that can't be peeled.
Bananas, avocados, and oranges make better choices, but be sure you peel them yourself.
For safety's sake, you may want your kids to avoid raw foods entirely.
Wash hands frequently. Wash with soap and clean, warm water, especially after kids use
the bathroom or before they eat or prepare food. If no soap and water are available, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer.