What Is Yellow Fever and Who Needs the Vaccine?
Yellow fever is a serious viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It mainly affects people living in or travelling to certain tropical areas of Africa and South America. Though rare in the UK, the disease can be life-threatening. The good news is that yellow fever is preventable through vaccination.
What Is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Once infected, symptoms usually appear within three to six days.
What are the Symptoms of Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever symptoms can vary in severity. Some people experience only mild flu-like symptoms, while others may develop more serious health issues.
Early symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness and weakness
In more severe cases, the disease can cause liver damage, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, and organ failure. This is where the term “yellow” fever comes from.
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Supportive care in a hospital is often needed for severe cases.
Yellow Fever Transmission
The disease spreads through mosquito bites, particularly from the Aedes and Haemagogus species. These mosquitoes are mainly found in rural and jungle regions but can also be present in urban areas.
People cannot spread yellow fever to each other directly. The risk increases in areas with poor mosquito control.
How to Prevent Yellow Fever?
The most effective way to prevent yellow fever is through vaccination. The yellow fever vaccine is safe and provides long-term protection.
Apart from getting vaccinated, travellers are advised to:
- Use mosquito repellent
- Wear long-sleeved clothing
- Sleep under mosquito nets if staying in rural areas
- Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodation
These steps can greatly reduce the chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes.
Yellow Fever Vaccine and Who Needs It
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for people travelling to or living in yellow fever endemic areas, which include parts of Africa and South America. In some countries, showing proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry, especially if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever zone.
This proof is provided in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which becomes valid 10 days after the jab and lasts a lifetime in most cases.
The vaccine is a live vaccine and is usually given as a single injection. Most people need only one dose. It is not suitable for:
- Babies under 6 months
- People with weakened immune systems
- Those with severe allergies to any vaccine ingredients
Travel Safe, Stay Protected!
Planning a trip to Africa or South America? Book your yellow fever vaccine today at S&S Chemists. Our trained team will guide you through all the necessary travel vaccines, including yellow fever, and help you prepare for a safe journey. Don’t risk your health—protect yourself before you fly! Book your travel vaccination appointment now with S&S Chemists.