Yellow fever is a serious infection that’s most commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Central America. It’s spread through the bites of infected mosquitos and can quickly cause serious or even fatal complications in people who contract it.
The most effective way to prevent yellow fever is by getting the yellow fever vaccination before you travel. Depending on where you travel, the vaccination may even be required.
Yellow Fever Symptoms
Yellow fever has a short incubation period of about 3-6 days. At first, a person will have symptoms that are similar to the flu like:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle aches and pains
- Tiredness
Most people will recover from these symptoms after a few days without any lingering issues. However, around 1 in 4 people will go on to develop more severe symptoms that can quickly become lifechanging or even fatal.
More serious symptoms of yellow fever can include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in the stool
- Bleeding from the eyes
Half of people who experience these more serious symptoms will go on to suffer lifelong complications or may even die. It’s important to treat yellow fever as soon as possible because death can occur in just one week from the onset of symptoms.
Yellow Fever Prevention
Currently, there’s no cure for yellow fever so all you can do is take measures to prevent yourself from becoming infected like through yellow fever vaccination in Streatham and Ramsgate from Touchwood Pharmacy.
The yellow fever vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to travel for it to be fully effective. Once you’ve been vaccinated, you’ll have protection for life against yellow fever.
In addition to getting the vaccine, you should avoid areas with standing water and wear clothing and shoes that covers all of your skin. Spray your skin and clothing liberally with mosquito repellent and always sleep under a mosquito net. Make sure any windows or doors have fully intact screens or are closed.
Which Countries Require Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination?
Travel requirements change frequently so this list is only a general guide. You should always check your destination’s latest travel information before you travel.
Currently, the countries that require proof of a yellow fever vaccination are:
- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Republic of the Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- French Guiana
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia, Mali
- Niger
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
If you’re going to be working or visiting a country or region where yellow fever is found or if you need proof of vaccination, then you must contact us for yellow fever vaccination in Hanwell and Walsall. Our comprehensive travel clinics can provide you with all your travel vaccination needs, including yellow fever vaccination in Northolt and Sydenham.
