With the start of the holiday season, many people are looking forward to travelling abroad to exciting and exotic travel destinations. Travellers are advised to check with their local travel clinic regarding country-specific infection risks and current outbreaks well in advance of travel. This could include diseases such as yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, cholera, and many others.
Cases of yellow fever, for example, can greatly increase during the hot humid months of summer in tropical places like Africa as well as Central and South America where the disease is most prevalent.
If you are travelling to high-risk countries during the summer, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to get the yellow fever vaccination. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a serious, potentially life-threatening flu-like viral disease that is spread by a particular species of mosquito – Aedes aegypti. The disease is characterised by jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) and a high fever, which is why this disease is called yellow fever.
The virus is endemic in tropical areas of South and Central America. Large outbreaks of yellow fever usually occur where most people have no access to the yellow fever vaccination.
Yellow Fever Symptoms
Yellow fever develops rapidly, with symptoms appearing as soon as 3 to 6 days after exposure.
Symptoms include:
● fever and chills
● jaundice
● headaches
● body aches
● flushing
● loss of appetite
There’s no cure for yellow fever, although over-the-counter medication and home remedies can greatly reduce the symptoms as the illness runs its course. In severe cases, hospitalisation and advanced medical treatment may be required.
Who Should Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for those who are 9 months old and above as well as those who are living or travelling in areas at risk for Yellow Fever virus in Africa and South America. A single dose of the yellow fever vaccination will provide lifetime immunity and protection, no booster is needed.
If you need to get routine or travel vaccines, make an appointment at Intrigue Health today. We offer a wide variety of healthcare services that range from vaccines, to blood tests, and blood pressure testing.
Keep exploring our website to learn more about our services.
