Yellow fever is a virus transmitted by mosquito bites that can cause jaundice, stomach, liver and kidney problems, and even death. It can be prevented, however, by having the yellow fever vaccine.
What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a viral infection spread via the bite of infected mosquitos. It is only found in parts of Central and South America, as well as sub-Saharan Africa.
There is currently no specific treatment plan for the virus, so prevention is key and the vaccination plays a very important part in this. Early diagnosis of infection and supportive hospital treatment and care can improve survival rates.
The virus has a short incubation period of between three and six days. It’s most common symptoms include:
Fever
Muscle pain
Prominent backache
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
In some cases, symptoms will develop and the disease will progress. Symptoms of severe yellow fever infection include:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Abdominal pain with vomiting
Problems with liver and kidney functions
Half of those who do develop more severe yellow fever will die within seven to ten days.
However, yellow fever infection does result in lifelong natural immunity in those who do recover.
How Can Yellow Fever Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent yellow fever infection is to have the yellow fever vaccination. Known as Stamaril, this vaccine will protect you from infection when travelling to an at-risk country. It will also help prevent the international spread of disease between countries.
Note also that some countries will require you to produce a yellow fever certificate in order to cross the border.
The vaccine can be administered from the age of nine months, although it can be given to children under the age of six months in certain circumstances.
It is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weaker form of the virus. It will not cause disease in healthy people, but it is not suitable for anyone who is immunocompromised. A single dose of the vaccine will provide lifelong protection in the majority of people.
As with any vaccination, there is a risk of side-effects. These include:
Soreness at the injection site
Mild fever
Joint and muscle pain
Nausea
Vomiting
As well as having the vaccine, however, it is also advisable to take further personal protective measures when travelling in high-risk areas. Wearing trousers and long-sleeved shirts during the day (when the mosquitos are most active) and using insect repellent can help prevent mosquito bites, as can using a mosquito net at night.
At Enimed Group, our pharmacies provide a range of different vaccinations, including the yellow fever vaccine.
Our specialist travel pharmacists can administer the appropriate treatments to both children (from birth) and adults alike, as well as providing a walk-in clinic service and up-to-date travel health advice for your chosen destinations.
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