Typhoid

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection (Salmonella typhi) spread through food and water contaminated with sewage. It causes high fever, headache, stomach pain and either constipation or diarrhoea, and without antibiotics it can be fatal. It is a particular concern on the Indian subcontinent, above all for people visiting friends and relatives, and also in parts of Africa, South East Asia and Central and South America.

Two ways to have it

• Injection (Typhim Vi) — a single dose, suitable from two years of age. Protection starts about two weeks later.
• Oral capsules (Vivotif) — three capsules taken on alternate days over five days, suitable from six years. They must be kept in the fridge and taken on an empty stomach, and cannot be used alongside some antibiotics or antimalarials, so the pharmacist will check what else you are taking.

Both are £40 and both last around three years; a booster is recommended after that if you are travelling to a risk area again.

Free on the NHS?

Typhoid vaccine is often available free from your GP surgery for travel. Ask them first; if they cannot fit you in before you go, we can.

It is not complete protection

The vaccine reduces the risk substantially but not entirely, so food and water care still matters: bottled or boiled water, freshly cooked food served hot, and caution with salads, ice and shellfish. For a general rule of thumb, if you can’t cook it, or peel it, don’t eat it!

Not sure whether you need this one? Book the travel consultation instead and the pharmacist will go through your trip with you.