What are the symptoms of typhoid (enteric fever)?
Symptoms typically develop 1 to 2 weeks after exposure and worsen gradually.
- Step-ladder fever that rises progressively each day
- Persistent dull headache and body aches
- Stomach pain, cramps, and abdominal discomfort
- Extreme weakness, lethargy, and loss of appetite
- Constipation in early stages, or diarrhea in children
- Dry cough and coated tongue
- Faint rose-colored spots on chest or abdomen
Warning signs: go to hospital at once
These signal severe bacterial complications (such as intestinal bleeding or perforation).
- Sudden intense, sharp abdominal pain with rigid belly
- Vomiting blood or passing dark, tarry stools
- High continuous fever with confusion, delirium, or stupor
- Persistent vomiting unable to retain oral medicines
- Rapid breathing and extreme pale clammy skin
Call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department.
The 3 phases of typhoid (enteric fever)
Early onset
Fever rises day by day with headache and dry cough. Blood culture is most sensitive during this week.
High fever & gut signs
Continuous high fever (103°F–104°F), abdominal distension, coated tongue, and severe prostration.
Resolution or complications
With proper antibiotics, fever settles over 3–5 days. Without treatment, risk of intestinal perforation rises.
Which test shows typhoid (enteric fever)?
Accurate blood tests distinguish typhoid from malaria, dengue, and viral fevers.
| Test | Best time | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Culture & Sensitivity | Week 1 of fever | Gold standard test identifying the Salmonella bacterium and effective antibiotic |
| Widal Test | After 7–10 days of fever | Detects antibody titers against Salmonella O and H antigens |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Anytime during fever | Typically shows low white blood cells (leukopenia) and anemia |
How is typhoid (enteric fever) treated?
Typhoid requires a complete course of doctor-prescribed antibiotics along with hydration and bland nutrition. Finishing the full antibiotic course is vital to prevent relapses and carrier states.
At Nareddy Care
- Specialist evaluation for children and adults
- Blood sample collection in our on-site laboratory
- Day-care IV antibiotic therapy if oral medicines cannot be retained
- Guidance on soft, easily digestible nutrition
- Scheduled post-treatment checks to confirm full cure
Do at home
- Complete every single day of the prescribed antibiotic course, even after fever disappears
- Drink only boiled water or bottled purified water
- Eat soft, easily digestible foods: khichdi, curd rice, mashed potatoes, and boiled eggs
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet
Avoid
- Stopping antibiotics early when the fever comes down
- Eating raw salads, unpeeled fruits, and street food during recovery
- Taking heavy, oily, spicy, or high-fiber foods that irritate inflamed intestines
- Sharing drinking glasses or utensils with family members
How to prevent typhoid (enteric fever)
Typhoid conjugate vaccination (TCV), which provides long-lasting immunity for children and adults, combined with strict drinking water hygiene and hand washing.
Questions people ask
How long does it take for typhoid fever to go away with antibiotics?
With appropriate antibiotics, the fever usually begins to come down within 3 to 5 days, though full recovery of appetite and energy takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Is typhoid contagious within a family?
Yes. Bacteria are shed in stools and can spread through contaminated hands, water, and food. Strict handwashing prevents family transmission.
Is there a typhoid vaccine available at Nareddy Care?
Yes. We administer the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), recommended from 6 months of age onwards for strong, multi-year protection.
Adults seeDr. Vishnu Anjan NareddyMD (General Medicine)Children seeDr. Bramhini NareddyMD (Paediatrics)