Typhoid fever
Symptoms, tests, treatment and prevention

Typhoid, or enteric fever, is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. It causes a fever that rises over several days. With the right antibiotics, most people recover fully, but untreated typhoid can cause serious complications. The physicians and paediatricians at Charak Hospital diagnose and treat typhoid in adults and children.

Book a consultation Call 0522-666-4444
Physicians and paediatricians Blood culture and lab tests Typhoid vaccination Admission when needed

Ask about fever care

Share your details — our coordinator will call you back to schedule a visit.

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

24×7 hospital & emergency0522-666-4444
About typhoid

What is typhoid?

Typhoid is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi (paratyphoid by Salmonella Paratyphi). It enters through food or water contaminated by the stool of an infected person or carrier. The bacteria spread through the bloodstream, which is why fever is the main symptom.

  • Symptoms start 1 to 3 weeks after infection
  • Fever usually rises step by step over several days
  • Antibiotic resistance is common, so the right antibiotic matters
  • Complete the full antibiotic course even if you feel better
  • Safe water, hand washing and vaccination prevent typhoid

Correct test

Blood culture is the most reliable early test.

Right antibiotic

Chosen by your doctor and taken for the full course.

Fluids and diet

Soft, home-cooked food and plenty of fluids.

Vaccination

Typhoid conjugate vaccine for children and adults.

0Bed multispeciality hospital
NABHAccredited for quality and patient safety
24×7Emergency & critical care
0+Specialities under one roof
Symptoms

Symptoms of typhoid

Symptoms can be mild or severe and may look like other fevers.

Prolonged fever

Fever lasting more than 3 to 4 days, often worse in the evening.

Headache

With body ache and weakness.

Stomach pain

Discomfort, loss of appetite.

Constipation or diarrhoea

Either can occur.

Tiredness

Marked weakness.

Dry cough

In some people.

Rose spots

Faint pink spots on the chest or abdomen, occasionally.

In children

Fever, vomiting, poor appetite and irritability.

Seek urgent care if there is severe stomach pain, blood in vomit or stool, black stools, confusion, very low urine output or breathlessness. These can be signs of complications. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

Tests for typhoid

Your doctor chooses tests based on how many days you have had fever.

Blood culture

The most reliable test in the first week, ideally before antibiotics.

Complete blood count

Supports the diagnosis and checks for other causes.

Widal test

Can be misleading on its own; the result is read together with symptoms.

Liver tests

Often mildly abnormal in typhoid.

Other fever tests

Malaria, dengue and urine tests to rule out other causes.

Treatment

How typhoid is treated

Most people are treated as outpatients; some need admission.

Antibiotics at home

Oral antibiotics are given for the period your doctor advises. Fever usually settles within a few days of the right antibiotic.

Take every doseParacetamol for feverRest and fluids

Diet

  • Soft, freshly cooked food
  • Boiled or filtered water
  • Small, frequent meals

Avoid

  • Stopping antibiotics early
  • Self-medicating with leftover antibiotics
  • Street food during recovery
Prevention

Preventing typhoid

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Safe water

Drink boiled or filtered water.

Avoid ice and drinks from unknown sources.

Hand hygiene

Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet.

Food

Eat freshly cooked, hot food; wash fruit and vegetables well.

Vaccination

Typhoid conjugate vaccine is advised for children and many adults. Ask your doctor about the schedule.

Contact us urgently if

  • Severe or sudden stomach pain
  • Blood in stool or vomit, or black stools
  • Confusion or extreme drowsiness
  • Fever returning after initial improvement
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about typhoid

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“A positive Widal test means typhoid.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Widal can be positive for other reasons. Diagnosis needs symptoms and, ideally, a blood culture.

Myth

“Stop antibiotics once the fever goes.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Stopping early can lead to relapse and resistance. Complete the course.

Myth

“Only rice and curd are allowed.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Eat soft, nutritious, home-cooked food as tolerated; long food restrictions are not needed.

Your care team

Physicians and paediatricians

Internal medicine Paediatrics
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Fever chart and any blood reports
  • Names of antibiotics already taken
  • Insurance or Ayushman card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long does typhoid last?

With the right antibiotic, fever usually settles in a few days, and most people feel normal within two to three weeks.

Can typhoid come back?

Relapse can happen, especially if antibiotics are stopped early. See your doctor if fever returns.

Is typhoid contagious?

It spreads through food or water contaminated by an infected person’s stool. Good hand hygiene protects others.

Who should get the typhoid vaccine?

Children and adults, especially those who eat outside often or travel. Ask your doctor about timing and boosters.

Is a Widal test enough?

Not on its own. Blood culture is more reliable early in the illness.

Glossary

Words you may hear

Enteric feverAnother name for typhoid and paratyphoid fever.
Blood cultureA test that grows bacteria from a blood sample.
Widal testAn antibody test for typhoid with limited accuracy.
CarrierA person who carries typhoid bacteria without being ill.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Internal medicine Dengue fever Paediatrics Laboratory tests Health library

Fever for more than three days?

See a physician at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga. Call 0522-666-4444.

0522-666-4444 Request a call back

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Internal Medicine, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

Explore other clinical departments
Call hospital Book visit