What are the first signs of typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is an infection that can affect the digestive system and cause a general inflammatory illness. Fever may build gradually rather than appearing as a sudden spike. Some people develop diarrhoea, while others become constipated. Abdominal discomfort, nausea, dry cough, or a feeling of being generally unwell can accompany the fever.

These symptoms overlap with other infections. A recent stay in, or travel through, an area where typhoid occurs, unsafe food or water exposure, or contact with an infected person is useful information for a clinician.

Arrange medical assessment for a persistent or rising fever, particularly after travel or a possible food or water exposure. A clinician may recommend tests and will decide whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate. Drink fluids if you can, rest, wash hands carefully, and avoid preparing food for other people until you have medical advice.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, marked drowsiness, confusion, dehydration, blood in stool, or difficulty breathing. Fever with inability to drink or a rapidly worsening condition needs prompt assessment. Do not wait for a rash or bowel change before seeking help.

Tell the clinician when the fever began, its pattern, recent travel, food or water exposures, medicines taken, and bowel symptoms. Ask which tests are needed, how to protect household contacts, and when it is safe to return to normal activities.