Typhoid Fever: it's Stages, How Long Does it Last, Recovery, Price and More

Medically Reviewed By
Dr Divya Rohra

Written By Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
on Feb 28, 2022

Last Edit Made By Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
on Mar 18, 2024

Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It is characterised by diarrhoea, high fever, and vomiting. It is caused by contaminated food and water or due to contact with infected people. Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics if it is diagnosed at an early stage. In late treatment, typhoid can be fatal. In every 1 case out of 5, typhoid can be fatal. In 2010, the reported cases of typhoid were around 26 million across the globe. In this article, get to know about the different stages of typhoid fever, the number of days the fever can extend, signs of recovery, typhoid test, and its cost in India.

What are the stages of typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever can be divided into four stages. These stages are:

1st stage: In the 1st stage of typhoid fever, you can experience mild symptoms like headache and dry cough. You may also have a slight fever at this stage.
2nd stage: In this stage, you experience symptoms like a distended stomach, high fever, fever dreams (hallucinations), weight loss, and lethargy.
3rd stage: This is a more severe stage of typhoid fever. You may have encephalitis or inflammation of the brain, dehydration, weakness, and abdominal haemorrhage caused due to severe intestinal perforations.
4th stage: At this stage, you will have an extremely high fever. At this stage, you are also at risk of several other health complications like kidney failure, infection, inflammation of the pancreas or heart, pneumonia, and meningitis.

How long does typhoid fever last?

Typhoid fever can last for approximately 3-4 weeks with an incubation period of around 1-2 weeks. According to the National Health Society (NHS), if typhoid fever is diagnosed early and antibiotic treatment is started immediately, you may recover in 7 - 14 days.

What are the signs of recovery?

The signs of recovery from typhoid fever generally include easing of the symptoms of typhoid fever such as:

Improvement in appetite
Relief from headache, abdominal pain, and other pains in the body
Normal body temperature, that is, no fever
Feeling less lethargic
Relief from diarrhoea
No congestion in the chest
Less discomfort

What is the test for typhoid fever?

The diagnosis of typhoid fever is generally done by Widal test. In this method, the presence of Salmonella typhi bacteria in your fluid sample is seen. The identification is done by culturing your sample on a medium that facilitates the growth of these bacteria. After incubation, the medium is observed under the microscope to identify the presence of the bacteria. Typhoid fever tests can be done using your blood, stool, urine, or bone marrow sample.

What is the cost of the typhoid fever test in India?

The cost of a typhoid fever test at Redcliffe Labs ranges approximately between Rs 200/- to Rs 300/- all across the country.

Takeaway

Typhoid fever is an illness that is treated when diagnosed at an early stage. The treatment of typhoid is only through antibiotics. When diagnosed late, it can turn out to be fatal. Now, you know how typhoid fever is caused, what are its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and its cost in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get my typhoid fever test done?

You can get your typhoid fever test done at Redcliffe labs by simply calling our pathology centre or by booking your test online. Our vaccinated and well-trained phlebotomist will reach out to you to collect your sample absolutely free of cost.

What is the treatment available for typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever can be treated through antibiotics only. The commonly prescribed antibiotics for typhoid fever are ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ceftriaxone, and azithromycin (Zithromax).

What diet is recommended for patients with typhoid fever?

The diet recommended for typhoid patients includes carbohydrate-rich food like grains and potatoes, soy products, dairy products, lean meat, chia seeds, fluids, soups (preferably made of carrots, spinach, and chicken, honey or ginger tea, and banana. Also, you should avoid spicy food, fibrous food, raw fruits and vegetables, packaged or processed food, and alcohol.

Which organ gets affected by typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever generally affects the gastrointestinal tract and organs like the spleen, liver, and muscles. In severe cases, the bacteria can also affect the lungs, gallbladder, and kidney.

12 Comments

Suprith V

Jan 30, 2024 at 11:07 AM.

Hi, I have typhoid. From last 20 days I am on medication. One of doctor prescribed me to take Azee 500 and Taxim O for 5 days. While taking medicines I was feeling better, I was feeling recovering. Then again I started getting fever, shivering. Then again I consultant another doctor, he also said I have typhoid Then ge suggested antibiotics for 3 days. From yesterday again I am having fever and diarrhea as well. Do I need to visit doctor again. Please suggest me. From 11-Jam-2024 I am having fever with shivering.

Myhealth Team

Jan 30, 2024 at 12:23 PM.

Persistent fever and diarrhea despite antibiotics for typhoid. Visit doctor promptly for evaluation and adjusted treatment. Stay hydrated.

D Goswami

Jan 29, 2024 at 2:19 PM.

I got discoved my typhoid in mid of after 3 days of being bed ridden Dec2023, I called for blood test for Dengue which was common those days in New Delhi India, I think I was already infeced for around 2 months prior to discovery of my typhi. I had also lost Humoglobing , So 4th day I goto doc and he gave me 3 days medication after that I from 3rd day I stateded taking Green coconut water, Multivitamin syrup/tonic with vitamin B, Apples, Carrots, Dryfruits, Like Almond,Cashew, and prunes (Lots for Blood sake), beet root, guava, Kiwi fruit Banana.. Etc , lots of fruits....took only 3 day medicine as per doc, and lots of Good diet. Note i never gone for boiled food... In my case my digestive systems were working fine...My symtoms were Only lots of fatigue, physical and metal, taste loss, Smell loss, and pain in joints. Now after a 1.5months gone I feel much better...

Myhealth Team

Jan 30, 2024 at 12:29 PM.

Discovered typhoid mid-Dec 2023, treated 3 days, followed balanced diet, now feeling better after 1.5 months. Listen to body, prioritize health.

Kishore

Jan 22, 2024 at 6:38 AM.

I tested Typhiod positive 1:160 and after 20 days ,l don't get relif from weakness and pain and stomach problems even my medical course completed .and tested it comes 1:80, and i tested after one month and result is 1:40 fever gone but my weakness and stomach problem not gone please help me

Myhealth Team

Jan 23, 2024 at 11:25 AM.

Persistent weakness and stomach issues after typhoid treatment may require further medical evaluation. Consult your doctor for a comprehensive assessment, as there may be underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Pavanags

Dec 26, 2023 at 7:05 PM.

2 months before i had typhoid...now i have joint pain...blood test showing uric acid 5.8. Esr is 42. And wbc is 11400....no rhomoroid....is this pain a cause of typhoid..what is vthe solution for this.plzz suggest mele.

Myhealth Team

Dec 28, 2023 at 10:59 AM.

Joint pain post-typhoid with elevated ESR and uric acid may need medical attention. Consult a doctor for medication, hydration, and dietary changes. Follow their advice for optimal management.

Himanshu singh

Dec 23, 2023 at 11:11 PM.

मुझे टाइफाइड है जो की बुखार आ रहा है दवा लेने पे ठीक हो जाता है उसके बाद जब दवा का असर खत्म होता है बुखार फिर आ जाता हैं ऐसे कितने दिन तक बुखार आएगा body temperature 98.7f normal बुखार में 99.6,100.1f होता है

Myhealth Team

Dec 28, 2023 at 11:21 AM.

टाइफाइड के इलाज के बाद बुखार की दिनों की संख्या व्यक्ति के स्वास्थ्य और इलाज की स्थिति पर निर्भर करती है। आपका चिकित्सक इस पर जवाब देगा।

Pankaj Verma

Dec 21, 2023 at 12:44 PM.

Muje 2 mahino ke baad pta chala muje typhoid hai lekin ab typhoid thik h lekin kamjori nhi ja rhi

Myhealth Team

Dec 21, 2023 at 1:07 PM.

Hi Pankaj, बहुत खुशी है कि आपका टाइफाइड ठीक हो गया है। लेकिन कमजोरी का अब भी अहसास हो रहा है तो यह सुनिश्चित करना महत्वपूर्ण है कि आप पूरी तरह से आराम करें और अपने आहार, पानी, और नींद का ध्यान रखें। यदि समस्या बनी रहती है, तो कृपया एक चिकित्सक से माश्वरा लें। Dhanyawad.

Belynda lucci

Dec 19, 2023 at 12:10 AM.

Thanks much your explanation is so helpful. I am diagnosed of typhoid and not getting better quickly. Having sore throat and stomach pain and i need to get back to work asap. I am living in Nigeria.

Myhealth Team

Dec 22, 2023 at 12:17 PM.

1. Take Prescribed Medications: Follow your doctor's prescribed antibiotics. 2. Stay Hydrated: Drink water and oral rehydration solutions. 3. Rest: Allow your body the needed rest for recovery. 4. Bland Diet: Stick to plain, easily digestible foods. 5. Good Hygiene: Wash hands regularly to prevent spreading infection. 6. Consult Your Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. Prioritize your health over returning to work quickly.

Annalise James

Dec 14, 2023 at 4:37 PM.

Does typhoid medicine have side effects?

Myhealth Team

Dec 15, 2023 at 12:10 PM.

Typhoid medicines like ciprofloxacin may cause common side effects such as nausea, and it's essential to complete the prescribed course under a healthcare professional's guidance.

Chike maria

Dec 9, 2023 at 6:54 PM.

I have treated typhoid 2 weeks ago at 1:80 but I check the result today and is at 1:40 but I still feel sick too is my antibiotic not complete?

Myhealth Team

Dec 15, 2023 at 12:30 PM.

Titer decrease suggests improvement, but persistent symptoms may need reevaluation. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance on your typhoid treatment.

Aruna

Oct 13, 2023 at 2:24 PM.

இது மிகவும் மோசமான காய்ச்சல். எனக்கு 20 நாட்கள் ஆகி விட்டது இன்னும் என் உடல்நிலை சதாரணமாக இல்லை. இதை ஆரம்பத்திலேயே சரி செய்வது மிக நன்று. உணவு கட்டுபாடு முக்கியம் இதனால் என் குடலில் புண் ஏற்பட்டு மிகுந்த அவஸ்கதயில் உள்ளேன்.

Myhealth Team

Oct 18, 2023 at 6:17 AM.

உங்கள் புண் மற்றும் அவஸ்கதம் மிகவும் முக்கியம். துணை வை஦்யருடைய ஆலோசனை அவசிஷ்டமாக அறிந்து சிகிச்சை தேவை.

MANGS KYENRET ISA

Sep 10, 2023 at 3:50 AM.

good morning Dr. Have treated malaria and typhoid with malaria injection and ciprofloxin about 4weeks ago. But recently My typhoid test result shows that I have typhoid which is moderately high. Have had headache which feels like a rubber band tied around my head or sometime a sensation of something stocked in the middle of my Head, mild pains around my body and chest congestion. Have started treatment with norfloxacin tabs two days ago. Could this be effective?

Myhealth Team

Sep 20, 2023 at 12:35 PM.

Norfloxacin can be effective for treating typhoid, but it's crucial to complete the prescribed course. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor for further evaluation and potential adjustments to your treatment. Stay hydrated and get adequate rest.

victoria okonkwo

Aug 28, 2023 at 2:53 PM.

I was diagnised of typhoid fever. I have finished my mediation yesterday. I still have slight head ache and body pains, ,but no fever or cough. My appetite isn't fully back

Myhealth Team

Aug 29, 2023 at 6:46 AM.

I'm glad you've finished your typhoid medication. Lingering symptoms like headache, body pains, and reduced appetite can be normal during recovery. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat a balanced diet. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.