What are the Stages of Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is a critical, contagious illness that occurs when the bacteria “Salmonella Typhi” enter your system and multiply within the bloodstream and intestines. People living in places where poor sanitation practices are followed are prone to contracting the illness.
It’s important that you know the different stages of typhoid fever, how it spreads, and, more importantly, prevention steps to minimize your risk of getting typhoid. If you suspect typhoid, seek immediate medical care from a General Physician in Navi Mumbai to reduce your risk of complications. In this post, we’ll walk you through the early and advanced stages of typhoid. Let’s take a look:
What are the Stages of Typhoid Fever?
Stage 1: Early Symptoms
The symptoms of typhoid aren’t noticeable in most cases during the incubation period or the early stage of the disease. This can start in the first few days of contracting the bacteria or up to 60 days. The severity of this contagious illness depends on your immunity and the bacterial strain ingested.
Stage 2: Acute Illness
Symptoms show up during this phase. As it progresses, you will notice high-grade fever, often spiking to 104°F, accompanied by muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite. The acute stage of typhoid fever can last for days and can lead to complications if left unaddressed for a long time. The symptoms start with a mild fever, which progresses gradually. Remember, the gradually increasing temperature and persistent fever are key indicators of typhoid.
Stage 3: Peak of Infection
If your doctor starts antibiotics during the acute phase, the symptoms will subside, and you’ll feel better. However, if the treatment isn’t started, the symptoms might worsen due to the bacteria spreading to the bloodstream and intestines. Some people report constipation, while others experience diarrhea. Abdominal pain is also common at this stage. You might experience difficulty concentrating due to the high-grade fever.
If you experience these symptoms, especially if your temperature doesn’t drop, visit the nearest hospital for typhoid treatment in Navi Mumbai. Delayed treatment can increase the risk of complications, including intestinal bleeding and septic shock.
Stage 4: Recovery
Also called the Convalescence stage, your body goes into the recovery phase. Your immune system fights off the infection, which may help subside the fever and manage other symptoms. Still, some patients report muscle aches, fatigue, and weakness for several weeks after the acute phase.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and complete your course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms have subsided. Skipping medication can lead to the bacteria resurfacing.
Prevention Tips
To help mitigate the risk of typhoid, we have listed a few preventive measures that can help.
- Make a habit of washing your hands thoroughly before eating.
- Carry bottled water or boiled water when traveling.
- Avoid high-risk areas, especially if you have weak immunity.
- Vaccination is also available for those with an increased risk of contracting typhoid.
- Never eat veggies and fruits without washing them.
Conclusion
The symptoms of typhoid are often confused with flu and common cold. That’s why many people do not visit the hospital until the condition worsens and the fever doesn’t subside. The earlier you seek medical care, the better your chances of recovering quickly.