Experience of Undergoing Oral Typhoid Vaccination
Journeying to far-flung lands? If you are, your local doctor or travel clinic might suggest you get a typhoid vaccination, along with others. Now, let me be clear: always listen to your healthcare provider. They've got all the facts. I'd rather deal with some vaccine side effects than face the real deal – typhoid, which takes the life of 1 out of 5 who contract it. But since you're here, I'll tell you about the Oral Typhoid Vaccine, what happens when you take it, and how it works based on my personal experience.
How Does the Oral Typhoid Vaccine Work?
The Oral Typhoid Vaccine is different from the shot, as it's given in live form, while the shot uses inactivated bacteria. The advantage to the pill is that it lasts for 5 years compared to the shot's bi-annual boosters. However, as you're swallowing live bacteria, your body will react. The good news is that this reaction helps build immunity to the disease. In contrast, the shot's inactivated bacteria might not cause any reactions at all.
You'll take 4 pills – one every other day for a week. I started on a Monday, took my second pill on Wednesday, the third on Friday, and my final one the following Sunday. Let me tell you, it wasn't a quick, painless process. Taking the Oral Typhoid Vaccine was a bit of a struggle. Since you're ingesting small amounts of the bacteria that causes stomach problems, you can expect a few challenges, especially with the first pills.
What Can You Expect When Taking the Pills?
Pill #1
Your pills should be taken an hour before eating. So, I took my first pill at 9am on a Monday. For the first 12 hours, I was fine – I ate my breakfast, lunch, and dinner without incident. My stomach felt normal. But once the 12-hour mark hit, I started feeling queasy. I ran to the bathroom, but nothing came up. This unsettling nausea lasted for about 4 days. The first night was rough, with frequent wake-ups due to nausea and discomfort. The next day was much better, as it was a "no pill" day. I eventually managed a full night of sleep.
Pill #2
Day 3 was the toughest day. I took my second pill at 9am on Wednesday. I was still dealing with nausea from the first batch of bacteria, and right when I started feeling better, I had to ingest more of the bacteria, causing me to feel sick again. I didn't quite get a fever, but I had a headache and felt like I had a cold coming on. I was constantly coughing and sneezing. These cold symptoms only lasted for that one day, but they made for a restless third night. Thankfully, Day 4 was when the nausea started to fade.
Pill #3
Pill 3 was easier. My body might have begun building immunity! I had a bit of nausea and a headache, but that was about it. These symptoms lasted through Days 5 and 6.
Pill #4
Finally, on Day 7, I took my fourth and final pill. I was lucky – I didn't feel much of anything since the immunity had been built. However, I still had a slight feeling of nausea if I didn't eat enough until Days 7 and 8.
The end of that week marked the end of my Oral Typhoid Vaccine experience. I hope you find this information helpful if you ever have to choose between the pills or the shot. I just hope you have a fantastic trip, and don't forget to check out the archeological site in Cambodia next month!
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Source: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 24). Typhoid Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever/prevention/vaccine.html[2] World Health Organization. (2021, October 1). Oral typhoid vaccines. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/oral-typhoid-vaccines[3] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021, July 13). Vivotif BioTyphlon. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/204597s038,204598s036,204599s039lbl.pdf
- Embarking on an adventure offers more than just stunning landscapes and new cultures; it can also expose you to potential health risks like typhoid. To protect your health-and-wellness, consider getting the Oral Typhoid Vaccine.
- The Oral Typhoid Vaccine uses live bacteria, which means it requires fitness-and-exercise to swallow four pills over a week's time. Each pill not only contributes to your health-and-wellness but also aids in building immunity to the disease.
- Mental-health is crucial when dealing with vaccine side effects, especially after taking the first pill of the Oral Typhoid Vaccine. Expect nausea and discomfort for a few days, but know that it will pass and your immunity will grow stronger.
- By taking the Oral Typhoid Vaccine, you're making a choice that supports science and your lifestyle, ensuring a healthier journey as you travel, explore new sports, and enjoy the adventures life has to offer. Remember, it's always important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
