The first disease we fear when the weather changes or we eat something unusual outside is typhoid. Sometimes, high fever persists for weeks, leaving people bedridden. To combat this serious illness, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released its latest guidelines.
In fact, much has changed on the ground regarding medicines and vaccines since 2018. The effectiveness of old medicines on bacteria is decreasing, and new vaccines have shown significant results. Therefore, by changing old policies, the WHO has made it clear that the fight against it will now have to change.
Typhoid is not a common viral fever, but a dangerous infection caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi. This disease is directly linked to our daily hygiene and eating habits.
Drinking dirty or unboiled water and eating contaminated food sold in the open causes the bacteria to reach the stomach.
Some people with this disease appear completely healthy, but the bacteria remain alive in their bodies. These are called chronic carriers, who, knowingly or unknowingly, continue to infect others for years.
According to one estimate, in 2023 alone, approximately 6.2 million people worldwide contracted this fever, and more than 70,000 died.It is most devastating in poor areas of South Asia and Africa, including India, where children are most affected. When the bacteria reaches the bloodstream through the intestines, the patient’s condition typically deteriorates within one to two weeks.A persistent high fever that doesn’t subside easily occurs.Abdominal cramps, severe pain, and extreme weakness are felt.
A severe headache is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or even complete stomach congestion.If proper treatment is not received in time, intestinal ulcers develop, bleeding begins, and sometimes even rupture, which can be life-threatening.
The biggest challenge facing doctors right now is that typhoid bacteria have become very resilient, and the old antibiotics that used to get patients up and running within two days are now proving ineffective for many patients.
Multidrug-resistant and XDR bacteria have spread rapidly in South Asian countries.In many cases, even new, expensive medications are failing.In light of this danger, the WHO says that vaccination is now of paramount importance, rather than relying solely on pills and syrups.
While three types of vaccines are available on the market, the WHO has prioritized the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) in its report.
TCV Vaccine: This is the most advanced vaccine available today. It is formulated with a specific protein, which creates strong immunity in children as young as 6 months and adults between 45 and 65 years of age.
VI Polysaccharide Vaccine: This injection is given to children over 2 years of age, but its effectiveness wears off after two to three years, requiring a second injection.
TY21A Capsule: This is an oral medication that is given to children over 6 years of age, but it cannot be given to people with weakened immunity or pregnant women.
Large trials of the TCV vaccine were conducted on millions of children in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Malawi. These studies have revealed many very useful findings.
This new vaccine has been found to be 80 to 85 percent effective in preventing typhoid.
In children vaccinated at a slightly older age, around 5 years, its protection remained strong for many years.
In younger children, immunity wanes slightly after a few years, but it still protects against serious risks.
It has also proven completely safe. After examining data from millions of people, it was found that it poses no major risk, except for mild pain or a moderate fever that resolves on its own.
Parents often worry about whether the typhoid vaccine can be administered with other routine vaccines. The report clearly states:
TCV can be administered on the same day as the measles and rubella vaccine, and there is no harm.
It is also safe for children with HIV or those with a weakened immune system, although medical supervision is necessary in such cases.
Even if a woman accidentally receives this vaccine during pregnancy, no adverse effects have been observed on the child.
The gist of this entire paper is that if typhoid is to be defeated, countries must make TCV mandatory in their vaccination policies.
In areas with a high incidence of typhoid, children should be vaccinated starting at 9 months of age, and a large-scale campaign should be launched for all children up to 15 years of age.
If necessary, a booster dose can be given after a few years to ensure the body’s defenses never weaken.
Equally important are clean water, proper sewerage, and hygiene at food and beverage stores.
To prevent a centuries-old disease like typhoid,Now we have better and stronger weapons for this. All that is needed is that people should recognize the symptoms at the right time, avoid taking any antibiotics without doctor’s advice and get their children vaccinated on time.