Dr. Murali Gopal
Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK),
Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
Last reviewed: 2 July 2026
Parent education only.
Most children do well when problems are recognised early and care is sought at the right time. This guide explains what parents can observe safely at home and when to seek medical help.
What is typhoid fever?
Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi or Paratyphi bacteria, usually spread through contaminated food or water. It commonly presents as prolonged fever and needs medical diagnosis and a complete prescribed treatment plan.
Common symptoms and signs
- Fever lasting several days, often with headache and tiredness.
- Abdominal pain, poor appetite, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea.
- Coated tongue or enlarged liver/spleen may be found by a doctor.
- Some children may appear toxic or confused in severe illness.
How it spreads or happens
- Contaminated drinking water, unsafe food or poor hand hygiene.
- Close community exposure in areas with poor sanitation.
- Incomplete or inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to relapse or resistance.
Home care while arranging appropriate review
Focus on observation, fluids, comfort and timely review.
Avoid self-starting antibiotics, leftover medicines, or unverified treatment plans.
- Seek paediatric review for fever lasting more than a few days, especially with abdominal symptoms.
- Use safe drinking water, handwashing and freshly prepared food.
- Continue fluids and light food as tolerated.
- Do not self-start antibiotics or stop prescribed treatment early.
Red flags / when to seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent medical assessment if your child has any of the following:
- Breathing difficulty, bluish lips, severe weakness, fainting or signs of shock.
- Drowsiness, confusion, seizure, severe headache, stiff neck or repeated vomiting.
- Poor feeding, very little urine, dry mouth, sunken eyes or any concern for dehydration.
- Persistent high fever, worsening child, or fever in a very young baby.
- Severe abdominal distension, blood in stool, severe pain or persistent vomiting.
Important facts for parents
- Typhoid cannot be reliably diagnosed by fever pattern alone.
- Vaccination reduces risk but does not replace food and water hygiene.
- Antibiotic choice depends on local resistance and clinical judgement.
Medical disclaimer
General education only
This guide provides general educational information for parents and caregivers. It does not replace medical consultation, diagnosis, examination, or individualized treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. If a child is unwell, worsening, or if there is any concern, seek medical advice promptly. Medicines, vaccines, tests and follow-up plans should be decided by a qualified clinician after examining the child.
References
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Standard Treatment Guidelines. https://iapindia.org/standard-treatment-guidelines/
- World Health Organization disease fact sheets and public-health guidance. https://www.who.int/
- National Centre for Disease Control, India. https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/
Last reviewed: 2 July 2026.
Medical review
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