Serious Illness from Business Trip to India - 3 Days Back in the US (M38)
Recently, I traveled to India for work, and unfortunately, that experience has left me feeling profoundly unwell. My health took a serious downturn on the last day of my trip, approximately four days ago, and I have been suffering ever since returning to the United States three days ago. During my stay in Pune, India, which coincided with the onset of the monsoon season, I took every precaution regarding my health. All meals consumed were either arranged by my company or those served on official flights, eliminating any risky dining choices. Currently, my symptoms strongly indicate typhoid fever, presenting with an elevated temperature of 101°F, intense muscle soreness, a persistent cough, abdominal discomfort, a significant decrease in appetite, chills, headaches, and diarrhea. Notably, Pune is known for its high typhoid rates, which peak during the monsoon months, including June when I was there. I opted out of getting vaccinated against typhoid prior to my journey, assuming the risk was minimal since I dined exclusively at reputable restaurants within the city. Moreover, my diarrhea has been particularly severe, much more so than typically associated with typhoid. It began shortly after consuming an in-flight meal on my domestic route from Pune to Delhi, and I have struggled with it ever since. I haven't been able to eat for five days, as any attempt to do so triggers significant gastrointestinal distress. Even drinking water has started to pose a challenge, as it often leads to further diarrhea. Interestingly, my wife began to exhibit symptoms approximately twenty minutes after she prepared and consumed her first meal post my return from the trip, roughly 48 hours ago. Although she hasn’t developed a high fever or serious symptoms yet, there’s a chance she may have contracted a smaller dose of the infection. We are currently taking precautions, such as frequently washing our hands and thoroughly cooking all our food. My primary care physician prescribed a six-day course of azithromycin, and upon taking the initial dose, I noticed a slight reduction in my fever, which suggests that the medication might be effective against whatever I have. Nonetheless, I remain feverish and continue to experience all the previously mentioned symptoms. This illness is truly the most debilitating I have ever encountered. Until this issue arose, I had no significant medical difficulties, and these symptoms are entirely new for both my wife and me since returning from India.
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 6:01:30 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the distressing symptoms you're experiencing after your trip. Your situation, given the recently traveled to an area with high rates of typhoid fever and your current symptoms, is understandably concerning. Let's break this down and focus on steps you can take to help improve your condition and monitor your symptoms effectively.
Main Points:
- Symptoms are concerning for typhoid fever or a similar gastrointestinal infection.
- You are on azithromycin, which may help if it’s effective against your specific infection.
- Hydration and symptom management are critical.
Explanation:
Typhoid fever is an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Symptoms like high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue support this possibility. Your severe gastrointestinal symptoms and the onset of illness soon after consuming in-flight meals and meals in India raise concerns about foodborne illness. It’s good that you have started azithromycin, as it is used to treat underlying infections, although it may not specifically target S. Typhi unless confirmed.
Your wife’s symptoms occurring soon after your return suggest she may have been exposed to the same pathogen or could be a case of foodborne illness linked to your travel.
Next Steps:
-
Stay Hydrated:
- Focus on oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. If you find water troublesome, consider sipping small amounts or trying flavored electrolytes that may be more tolerable.
-
Manage Symptoms:
- Continue the azithromycin as prescribed, and monitor for side effects. If symptoms worsen or do not improve within the next few days, it would indicate a need for possible reevaluation of treatment.
- If diarrhea becomes unbearable, you may try over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicine (like Loperamide) cautiously, but be cautious with its use in bacterial infections unless advised otherwise.
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep track of your fever, abdominal pain, hydration levels, and any new symptoms. If fever persists above 101°F for more than another 48 hours, or if you have severe abdominal pain, you might need a re-evaluation.
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Inform Your Physician:
- Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's essential to report your recent travel history to your doctor if you experience worsening conditions or if azithromycin proves ineffective.
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Prevent Further Illness:
- Keep following hygiene practices like thorough handwashing and safe food preparation to prevent symptoms from developing in your wife or others around you.
Your health is the priority, and it’s essential to monitor closely and take these steps. Always listen to your body and seek further medical advice if your situation does not improve. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon.
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