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Why Do You Need A Yellow Fever Vaccine Before Travelling?
Certain types of mosquitoes carry and cause the severe viral disease known as yellow fever. South America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa account for a sizeable portion of its spread. Travellers are unlikely to contract the illness, but it can be avoided with vaccination. Continue reading to learn more about the yellow fever vaccine in Runcorn.
How is yellow fever spread?
The virus that causes yellow fever is spread to people through the bites of an infected mosquito. Both urban and rural areas are home to the disease-carrying mosquitoes, which mainly bite during the day.
Physical contact cannot directly transmit yellow fever from one person to another.
Symptoms of yellow fever
Stage 1
There are usually two stages of yellow fever symptoms. The initial signs and symptoms may show up 3 to 6 days after infection and include:
– A high temperature (fever)
– Loss of appetite
– A headache
– Nausea or vomiting
– Muscle pain, including backache
After this phase, which normally lasts three to four days, most patients will fully recover.
Stage 2
About 15% of people with stage two symptoms get kidney failure, bleeding from the mouth, eyes, nose, or stomach, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). This causes blood in their stools and vomit.
Yellow fever vaccine in Runcorn
The yellow fever vaccine protects you from infection and prevents the disease from spreading between countries. This is especially important when you travel to a place where the yellow fever virus is present.
After the administration of the yellow fever vaccination, you are given a certificate verifying that you received the shot and are immune to infection. The document is valid for life and is designed to fit in your passport.
Countries that require you to have a certificate of yellow fever vaccination are those in which the disease either exists or could exist. This is because they are home to the appropriate monkey and mosquito species that could transmit the virus.
Should you avoid travelling to yellow fever risk countries?
If you have a history of vaccine complications, are at high risk for serious side effects, or are travelling to an area where yellow fever is endemic, it is likely that your travel plans may be changed or cancelled. If medical professionals believe the vaccination is unsafe for you or is not mandatory for your trip, they are not required to give it to you. It is important to get travel advice prior to making travel arrangements if you have any medical conditions.
How many years does the yellow fever vaccine last?
After just one dose, the yellow fever vaccine typically provides lifetime protection. A booster dose would only be suggested if you had already received immunity in one of the following circumstances:
– You were pregnant
– Had a compromised immune system
– Were HIV-positive
– Had a bone marrow transplant thereafter
In rare instances, a second dose of the vaccine may be advised if there is any uncertainty regarding the traveller’s risk of developing yellow fever, like if they will be working or living for a long period of time in a high-risk area.
Consult with your pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure whether you require a second dose of the yellow fever vaccination ahead of your travel.
What countries require the yellow fever vaccine?
All visitors older than nine months or one year must be immunised before entering certain countries, including Cameron, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Benin, Central African Republic, Côte d’lvoire, Kenya, DRC, Gabon, Liberia, Rwanda, Congo, Togo, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Niger. You can get more information here.
What are the side effects of the yellow fever vaccine?
The following mild side effects are common after a yellow fever vaccination:
– Mild fever
– Joint and muscle pain
– Nausea and/or vomiting
– Headache
– Soreness at the injection site
These adverse reactions normally last no more than three days and can happen anywhere between the day of the vaccination and 14 days afterwards.
Is the yellow fever vaccine mandatory?
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when a foreign government requires vaccination proof from visitors entering their country. The “requirement” exists to protect nations from the potential importation or transmission of yellow fever. This does not imply that yellow fever transmission is inevitable in a nation where vaccination is not mandated.
Most governments demand proof of immunisation from visitors arriving from or travelling through countries where yellow fever is a risk. Please be advised that government rules on yellow fever are constantly subject to change. It is advised that you get in touch with the appropriate embassy or consulate before leaving.
Visit Wise Pharmacy today for travel clinic services and to also get your yellow fever vaccine.
This post was written on behalf of Wise Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor