The Safest Way to Protect Yourself from Yellow Fever

Are you planning to visit tropical regions? Then, watch out for yellow fever. Much like malaria, the yellow fever virus that spreads through infected mosquitos. However, don't fret because this disease can be prevented with the Yellow Fever Vaccine, although it is serious.

In the past two decades, 5 cases of yellow fever have been reported in the UK, and none were vaccinated. The NHS and the WHO encourage anyone who travels to parts of the world where yellow fever is found. Ensure you are vaccinated and knowledgeable before going to places such as the tropical and sub-tropical areas in Africa and South America.

What to know about Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever comes in two stages. The first symptoms appear in the first 3-6 days after infection:

-fever

-headache

-backache and muscle pain

-loss of appetite

-nausea and vomiting

Within 3-4 days, most individuals recover fully. However, about 15 per cent of people getting the virus develop even more severe symptoms, such as:

-jaundice or yellowing of the skin and sclera

-bloody stool due to bleeding from the stomach, nose, eyes, or mouth

Unfortunately, half of the people who develop these symptoms die. So if you have been to an area where yellow fever is found and experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Your doctor can confirm if you have the virus or not through a blood test.

Treatment

When your doctor confirms that you indeed have yellow fever, you will be admitted to a hospital and monitored for symptoms and get treatment for them since there is no specific treatment for the disease.

Prevention

It is crucial to update your vaccinations, especially if you constantly travel. For example, the yellow fever vaccine can protect you whenever you travel to areas with high disease cases.

Other ways to protect yourself from yellow fever-carrying mosquitos are:

-wearing long sleeves and pants to protect any exposed part of the body

-applying insect repellant with DEET

A travel clinic is a place to go before leaving the country. To avoid contracting strange bugs and costly hospital bills, set an appointment with your doctor to prepare yourself for what is to come. The Pearl Chemical Group offers various health and wellness services. For example, they can administer the yellow fever vaccine in London and the yellow fever vaccine in Wimbledon.

You will be given a certificate to prove you received the vaccine, which is valid for life. So when you go back or visit a country that requires proof that you are protected, you can present your certificate.