Food for Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is an infection caused by bacteria called Salmonella typhi. The bacteria are transmitted through consumption of contaminated food and drinks. The antibiotics ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone are generally used to treat this infection. Typhoid fever is rare in the United States 1. Most of the cases involve people who have visited other countries where sanitation is poor. If you come down with typhoid fever, your doctor may advise you to eat certain foods.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Symptoms
Typhoid fever symptoms usually develop one to three weeks after the initial infection, according to the Mayo Clinic website. If you develop these symptoms after returning to the United States, see your doctor.
High-Calorie Foods
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A high-calorie diet is recommended for those with typhoid fever, according to the Mayo Clinic website 2. High-calorie foods help prevent weight loss while you are dealing with this infection. Examples of high-calorie foods include:
- pasta
- white rice
- potatoes
- white bread
- bananas
- fruit juice
Avoid foods containing roughage, because they are hard to digest and can further irritate your already-inflamed intestines, according to the "American Journal of Nursing."
Fluids
Drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day. Typhoid causes frequent watery diarrhea and fever, which can lead to dehydration. Increase intake of liquid foods such as clear or vegetable broth, strained fruits and fruit juice. These foods help replace electrolytes that are lost in the diarrhea. If you become severely dehydrated, you may need to receive fluids intravenously in the hospital.
- Drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day.
- If you become severely dehydrated, you may need to receive fluids intravenously in the hospital.
Precautionary Measures
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If you're visiting another country where sanitation is a concern, take precautionary measures. Wash raw fruits and vegetables with clean water before you eat them. Wash your hands well before you eat. Avoid buying food from street vendors. Drink bottled water. If you become ill, seek immediate medical attention. Before you travel to any country where typhoid fever is a concern, ask your doctor about the vaccinations you should get. Also ask her if you should take a prescription antibiotic in the event that you come down with something more serious than travelers' diarrhea.
- If you're visiting another country where sanitation is a concern, take precautionary measures.
Related Articles
References
- MayoClinic.com; Typhoid Fever; April 2010
- "American Journal of Nursing"; Diet for Typhoid Fever Patients; E.M Geraghty
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever. Updated August 22, 2018.
- Bush L. Typhoid Fever. Merck Manual Consumer Version. Updated May 2018.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever. Updated August 22, 2018.
- UK National Health Service. Complications: Typhoid Fever. Updated June 18, 2018.
- Bush L. Typhoid Fever. Merck Manual Consumer Version. Updated May 2018.
- Marineli F, Tsoucalas G, Karamanou M, Androutsos G. Mary Mallon (1869-1938) and the history of typhoid fever. Ann Gastroenterol. 2013;26(2):132-134.
Writer Bio
Sherry David is a registered nurse with extensive experience in health and wellness. She has been writing health and nutrition articles since 2005. David graduated from Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and is working toward a master’s degree in public health nutrition.