Yellow fever is a serious, potentially fatal flu-like disease that is spread by the species of mosquitoes called Aedes aegypti. Yellow fever is characterised by a high fever and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), thus its name Yellow fever.
This is an incurable disease that is most prevalent in certain parts of South America and Africa. The good news is that it is completely preventable with the yellow fever vaccination. If you are travelling to a country that is at high-risk for yellow fever, you should protect yourself by getting the yellow fever vaccine before you leave.
In this article, you will learn about the symptoms of yellow fever and the best way to prevent it.
Symptoms Of Yellow Fever
Once bitten by an infected mosquito, yellow fever symptoms develop quickly – usually within 3 to 6 days after exposure. There are three different phases of the illness.
The initial phase includes flu-like symptoms including:
· headaches
· muscle aches
· joint aches
· chills
· fever
It then progresses to an acute phase which usually lasts 3 to 4 days. In addition to the symptoms listed above, you can also experience:
· Loss of appetite
· shivers
· backaches
After the acute phase has run its course, most people recover from yellow fever at this point. But, in rare cases (only 15%), people with weakened immune systems may develop further complications that can be fatal. This is known as the toxic phase.
Since there is no cure for yellow fever, medical treatment usually consists of managing the symptoms with over-the-counter medication to reduce muscle pain, fever, and dehydration.
Yellow Fever Prevention
Since there is no a cure for yellow fever, prevention is of utmost importance. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for anyone who is travelling to high-risk countries like Africa and South America.
Travel clinics in the UK – including Miles Pharmacy – offer the vaccine and can also provide you with the International Certificate of Vaccination that you’ll need to enter the above at-risk countries.
While travelling, it’s also important to take preventative measures to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos. These preventative methods include wearing clothing that fully covers your skin, using insect repellent and mosquito nets and staying inside during dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Where Can I Get the Yellow Fever Vaccination?
If you’re in South London, visit your local Miles Pharmacy Travel Clinic to get the yellow fever vaccination before travelling to at-risk countries. Yellow fever is an incurable and deadly disease, prevention is the best way to protect yourself.
Click here to book an appointment with our travel clinic.