How can typhoid fever be prevented?
A vaccination for typhoid fever is available. However, it can lose effectiveness after several years, so a booster vaccination may be necessary. Other preventives for typhoid fever are: • only use water that has been boiled or chemically disinfected for: • drinking, or preparing beverages such as tea or coffee • brushing teeth • washing face and hands • washing fruits and vegetables • washing eating utensils and food preparation equipment • washing the surfaces of tins, cans, and bottles that contain food or beverages • do not eat food or drink beverages from unknown sources • any raw food could be contaminated, including: • fruits, vegetables, salad greens • unpasteurized milk and milk products • raw meat • shellfish • any fish caught in tropical reefs rather than the open ocean Taking antibiotics is not a preventive for typhoid fever.
