Typhoid Fever: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & How Long Does it Last?

What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It mainly spreads through contaminated food or water and can lead to serious health issues if not treated properly. The illness often begins gradually, with fever, weakness, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, it can last for weeks or even months. 

However, with timely medical attention and proper care, recovery is achievable. Typhoid fever treatment is available and effective in most cases, allowing you or your loved one to return to normal health with time and support.

Who Does Typhoid Fever Affect?

Typhoid fever can affect anyone, but some groups are more vulnerable than others.

How Common is Typhoid Fever?

• It’s more common in certain regions: Typhoid fever is a major health issue in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation, especially parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Children and young adults are at higher risk: Their immune systems are still developing, and they may unknowingly consume contaminated food or drinks.
• Travellers may be exposed abroad: People visiting regions where the infection is endemic are at a higher risk, especially if food and water safety precautions aren't followed.
• People in crowded or unsanitary living conditions: Refugees, residents in slums, and those without access to clean facilities are more prone to infection due to poor hygiene practices.
• Healthcare and laboratory workers: Those working with bodily fluids from infected individuals may be at risk if proper protective measures aren't taken.

What’s A Long-Term Carrier Of Typhoid Fever?

Some people, even after recovery, continue to carry the bacteria without showing any symptoms. These individuals are known as chronic carriers.

• They can unknowingly spread the disease: Despite having no symptoms, they may still pass the bacteria through their faeces or urine.
• Chronic carriers are identified through testing: Stool or urine tests over time can reveal persistent infection.
• They may require extended antibiotic treatment: In some cases, typhoid fever treatment for carriers may differ from acute cases, involving longer courses or different antibiotics.
• Gallbladder removal may be recommended: For persistent carriers, especially those with gallstones, surgery might be advised to eliminate the source of the bacteria.

Which Organ is Affected By Typhoid?

Typhoid fever mainly affects your intestines, particularly the small intestine. As the bacteria enter your digestive system, they multiply and spread through your bloodstream, impacting various organs like the liver, spleen, and gallbladder. In serious cases, it can cause intestinal bleeding or perforation. 

However, these complications are rare with timely typhoid treatment. Your digestive health may be most affected, causing discomfort like stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea, but symptoms usually improve with antibiotics.

Typhoid Fever Symptoms

Typhoid fever is a bacterial illness that progresses gradually, often making it difficult to detect in its early stages. Recognising the signs early can help you or your loved ones seek typhoid fever treatment promptly and avoid complications.

Here are the main typhoid fever symptoms you should look out for:

• High, sustained fever: This is the most common symptom. It typically starts low and increases gradually, sometimes reaching up to 40°C (104°F).
• Headache: You may experience persistent or severe headaches that accompany the fever.
• General aches and body pains: You might experience widespread discomfort in your muscles and joints.
• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired, even without doing much, is very common.
• Dry cough: A mild and lingering cough may develop in the early stages.
• Loss of appetite: This can make you feel weak and is usually followed by weight loss.
• Constipation or diarrhoea: Some people experience constipation in the beginning, while others may suffer from loose stools later.
• Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain, particularly in the lower right side, particularly in the lower right side, is a key symptom.
• Rash: In some cases, small, rose-coloured spots may appear on the chest or abdomen.

If untreated, the infection can progress and lead to more severe complications like intestinal bleeding. But with early typhoid fever treatment, you can recover well without serious long-term effects.

Typhoid Fever Causes

Understanding the typhoid fever causes helps in both prevention and awareness. The illness spreads mainly through contaminated food and water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.

Here are the key causes:

• Bacterial infection from Salmonella typhi: The main culprit is this specific bacteria, which is different from the one that causes regular food poisoning.
• Contaminated food or drink: You can get infected by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with traces of an infected person’s faeces or, less commonly, urine.
• Poor hand hygiene: Not washing hands properly and then handling food or touching the mouth can spread the bacteria.
• Travel to high-risk areas: Countries in the Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), parts of Africa, and South America are more prone to outbreaks due to lack of clean water and sanitation.
• Close contact with an infected person: If someone in your household is infected and hygiene practices are not followed, you may be at risk.
• Carriers of typhoid: Some people, after recovering, continue to carry and spread the bacteria without showing symptoms.

Being aware of these typhoid fever causes empowers you to take preventive actions, especially when travelling or living in high-risk environments.

What Are The Stages Of Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid progresses in phases if untreated. These 4 stages of typhoid fever help explain how the condition worsens over time.

• Week 1: Initial signs: You may feel fatigue, rising fever, headaches, and a dry cough. The illness may mimic flu at first.
• Week 2: Worsening symptoms: Fever continues, and digestive issues like abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation become more intense. Rose spots may appear.
• Week 3: Severe complications: If left untreated, symptoms can become severe. Intestinal bleeding or perforation may occur, needing urgent medical attention.
• Week 4: Recovery or risk: With proper typhoid fever treatment, symptoms begin to improve. Without treatment, complications or even death may occur. Some may relapse in this stage.

How Does Typhoid Fever Spread?

Typhoid fever spreads through the faecal-oral route. This means the bacteria from the stool or urine of an infected person can contaminate food, water, or surfaces. You might catch it by eating unwashed fruits, drinking untreated water, or touching your mouth with unclean hands. 

In communities lacking proper sanitation, the infection can spread rapidly. This makes handwashing, safe food handling, and access to clean water crucial.

How is Typhoid Fever Diagnosed?

Doctors rely on your symptoms, travel history, and lab tests to confirm typhoid.

• Symptom review: Persistent fever, stomach pain, and fatigue are key indicators.
• Travel history analysis: Let your doctor know if you've recently been to regions where typhoid is common.
• Physical examination: Your doctor may check for rose spots, enlarged spleen or liver, and signs of dehydration.

What Tests Can be Done to Diagnose Typhoid Fever?

If you or someone close to you is showing symptoms of typhoid, timely diagnosis is key. Accurate testing allows for early typhoid fever treatment, which significantly improves outcomes and prevents complications.

There are several tests used to diagnose typhoid fever. Each one looks for evidence of the Salmonella typhi bacteria or antibodies your body produces in response to it.

Here are the most common diagnostic tests:

• Typhoid Profile Test: This is a broad blood test panel that checks for different markers of typhoid. It looks for antibodies in your blood that are commonly elevated during a typhoid infection. Though not always definitive on its own, it's a good starting point for diagnosis.
• Widal Test for Typhoid: The Widal test is one of the oldest and still commonly used diagnostic tools. It detects antibodies (specifically agglutinins) against Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi. While it’s quick and affordable, false positives can occur, so it’s often paired with other tests.
• Blood culture: Considered the gold standard in diagnosis. A sample of your blood is tested to see if the bacteria grows in a culture medium. If it does, this confirms the presence of the bacteria. It is especially accurate in the first week of illness.
• Stool and urine cultures: These are helpful if the infection has progressed. The bacteria can be detected in stool or urine, which also helps assess how contagious the person is.
• Bone marrow culture: In cases where other tests are inconclusive, this test can be extremely accurate. It’s more invasive and usually done in hospital settings.
• PCR testing (in some clinics): This newer method detects the genetic material of the bacteria. It’s highly specific and sensitive but not always widely available.

If you’re unsure about which test is right for you, consult a healthcare professional. If you're showing symptoms and have recently travelled to a high-risk area, getting tested early gives you the best chance of quick recovery through effective typhoid fever treatment.

Treatment for Typhoid Fever

If you’ve been diagnosed with typhoid fever, try not to panic. With early care and the right medication, most people recover fully. Here's what typhoid fever treatment typically involves:

• Antibiotic therapy: This is the main line of defence. Doctors usually prescribe a 7–14 day course of antibiotics like azithromycin or ciprofloxacin for mild cases. Early treatment leads to faster recovery.
• Hospital care (for severe cases): If symptoms are intense or complications arise, you may need to be treated in hospital with intravenous (IV) antibiotics and fluids.
• Hydration: Typhoid can cause dehydration due to fever and diarrhoea. Drink plenty of clean fluids. In hospitals, IV fluids may be given.
• Rest and nutrition: Fatigue is common, so rest is essential. Eating light, nutritious meals helps your body heal.
• Fever relief: Paracetamol is typically used to manage high temperatures and discomfort.
• Follow-up testing: Doctors may recommend a typhoid profile test or Widal test after treatment to confirm that the infection has cleared.
• Complete the course: Always finish your antibiotics, even if you feel better, to avoid a relapse or resistance.

With proper and timely typhoid fever treatment, full recovery is highly likely. Mild cases can often be managed at home with careful typhoid treatment.

What Are Safe Food Practices To Prevent Typhoid Fever?

Prevention begins in the kitchen and while travelling.

• Drink bottled or boiled water: Avoid tap water in unfamiliar areas. Use sealed bottled water or purify it.
• Eat well-cooked foods only: Make sure meat and vegetables are cooked through and served hot.
• Avoid raw produce and street food: These may be washed with contaminated water or handled unhygienically.
• Wash hands regularly: Always wash before eating or preparing food, especially after using the bathroom.
• Clean cooking surfaces and utensils: Avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
• Peel fruits and avoid salads outside home: Unless prepared in hygienic settings, raw food can be risky.

What Medications Are Used To Treat Typhoid Fever?

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics based on local resistance patterns.

• Ciprofloxacin (for non-resistant strains): A commonly used antibiotic for adults, though resistance is increasing.
• Azithromycin: Often used when resistance to older antibiotics is suspected.
• Ceftriaxone (injections): Used in severe or resistant cases, often administered in hospitals.
• Paracetamol for fever relief: Helps manage your temperature while antibiotics do their work.
• Probiotics may be advised: To restore gut bacteria balance after antibiotics.
• Complete the entire course: Stopping early can lead to relapse or bacterial resistance, delaying recovery.

Prevention

Being proactive can protect you and your family from typhoid.

• Get vaccinated before travel: If you're visiting a high-risk area, typhoid vaccination offers protection.
• Maintain good hygiene habits: Frequent handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective prevention methods.
• Drink and eat safely: Always choose clean, bottled water and hygienically prepared food.
• Avoid sharing food and utensils with others: This reduces the risk of transmission from carriers.
• Report symptoms early: Quick treatment reduces complications and the risk of spreading it to others.
• Educate others around you: Awareness can go a long way in preventing outbreaks.

What Can I Expect If I Have Typhoid Fever?

If you've been diagnosed with typhoid fever, it’s understandable to feel concerned. But with proper care, the outlook is positive. Most people recover fully with typhoid fever treatment, although recovery can take several weeks. 

You may feel weak or tired for a while, and some may experience a relapse. Close follow-up and good hygiene help prevent spread and re-infection.

Typhoid Relapse

Even after recovery, the illness might return in a few weeks.

• Relapses are usually milder: The second bout is often less intense than the first.
• You’ll need another antibiotic course: Follow-up treatment is usually effective.
• Watch for familiar symptoms: Fever, fatigue, and stomach issues can signal relapse.
• Stay in touch with your doctor: They’ll monitor your recovery and provide guidance.

Complications Of Typhoid

Although rare with treatment, complications can arise.

• Intestinal perforation: A hole in the bowel wall can cause severe abdominal pain and requires emergency surgery.
• Internal bleeding: Can occur in the digestive tract, leading to blood in stools or vomit.
• Sepsis: The infection may spread into the bloodstream and affect other organs.
• Psychological fatigue: Ongoing tiredness or low mood is common during recovery.
• Urinary or gallbladder issues in carriers: These may require further intervention or monitoring.

When To See A Doctor?

If you suspect you may have typhoid or experience prolonged fever or digestive discomfort, seek help.
Call your doctor if you have:

• High fever lasting more than two days
• Ongoing diarrhoea or constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rash or rose spots
• Recent travel to areas with poor sanitation

Early medical attention reduces risks and leads to quicker recovery.

Conclusion

Typhoid fever can feel overwhelming, but with early diagnosis and proper care, full recovery is absolutely possible. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and stages helps you take the right steps. If you notice any persistent signs, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider and get tested promptly.

For reliable and accurate testing, Metropolis Healthcare is a trusted choice. With NABL-accredited labs, expert pathologists, and convenient home collection services, they ensure timely diagnosis and peace of mind for you and your family.

FAQs

How can I reduce my risk of typhoid fever?

Practise good hygiene, drink clean water, eat safely cooked food, and consider getting the typhoid fever vaccine if travelling to high-risk areas. These steps lower your risk of infection effectively.

What are the signs of recovery from typhoid fever?

Recovery signs include stable temperature, increased appetite, and energy returning. Gradual improvement in typhoid symptoms usually begins a few days after starting the right medication and following your doctor’s instructions.

How long does typhoid fever last?

Typhoid fever can last 7–10 days with early typhoid treatment. In some cases, recovery may take longer, especially if complications develop or treatment begins late in the illness progression.

Who was Typhoid Mary?

Typhoid Mary was a healthy carrier of Salmonella Typhi who unknowingly infected others. Her case raised awareness about public health and the importance of identifying carriers during typhoid diagnosis.

How did countries get rid of typhoid fever?

Countries controlled typhoid by improving sanitation, clean water access, and hygiene education. Understanding common typhoid causes helped health authorities take preventive measures to reduce large-scale outbreaks effectively.

Can you still be contagious with typhoid fever after you get better?

Yes, some people remain contagious even after symptoms disappear. Medical follow-up ensures you’re no longer spreading bacteria. Treatment may involve continued use of typhoid fever antibiotics for complete clearance.

Does typhoid spread by kissing?

No, typhoid doesn’t spread through kissing. It is mainly transmitted via contaminated food and water. Good hygiene is key to preventing infection in daily interactions and food handling.

Which organ is affected by typhoid?

Typhoid primarily affects your intestines, but it can also involve the liver and spleen. Prompt care reduces risks of complications, especially when symptoms are recognised and treated early.

How do I take care of myself with typhoid fever?

Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and follow medical advice. This supports your recovery and helps manage the infection safely and effectively at home.

What should be avoided in typhoid?

Avoid raw vegetables, unboiled water, street food, and unpasteurised milk during illness. These foods may interfere with healing and increase the chance of re-infection or digestive upset.

Is typhoid fever fatal?

Typhoid can be fatal if untreated. With timely diagnosis and care, recovery is likely. Modern medicine and proper management have significantly reduced fatality rates related to typhoid fever.

When can we go back to work or school after having typhoid fever?

You can return once you have fully recovered and your doctor confirms you are no longer infectious. Always follow medical advice before resuming normal school or work activities safely.