Yellow fever is a dangerous viral condition carried and caused by certain species of mosquitoes. A large percentage of its distribution is in sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. The sickness is exceptionally rare among travellers and is preventable with a vaccination. Keep reading to find out more about the yellow fever vaccine in Bury.

How is yellow fever transmitted?

The virus that brings about yellow fever is transmitted to people through the bites of an infected mosquito. The disease-carrying mosquitoes can be encountered in both urban and rural regions, and they typically bite during the day.

Yellow fever cannot be directly transferred from one person to another through physical contact.

What are the symptoms of yellow fever?

Stage 1

Yellow fever symptoms come in two stages. Three to six days after infection, the first symptoms appear, and they may include:

– A high temperature (fever)
– A headache
– Loss of appetite
– Nausea or vomiting
– Muscle pain, including backache

Most people will fully recover after this stage passes, which typically lasts three to four days.

Stage 2

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes ), kidney failure, and bleeding from the mouth, eyes, nose or stomach affect approximately 15% of individuals (causing blood in your stools and vomit).

Yellow fever vaccine in Bury

When you visit a country where the yellow fever virus is present, the vaccine shields you from infection and stops the disease from transferring across nations.

A certificate indicating that you have got the vaccine and are immune from infection is given to you following the administration of the yellow fever vaccine. This document, which is made to fit inside your passport, is valid for life.

Countries that require you to have the yellow fever vaccination certificate are those where the disease either exists or could because they host the correct monkey and mosquito species that could carry the infection.

Avoiding travel to yellow fever risk areas

It is likely that you may be recommended to change or cancel your travel arrangements if you have potential complications from the vaccine, the risk of severe side effects is significant, and there is a large risk that you will develop yellow fever while travelling. Medical professionals are not required to administer the vaccine if they feel it is hazardous to you or if it is not necessary for your trip. The best course of action is to get travel advice before making travel arrangements if you have any medical issues.

How many years does the yellow fever vaccine last?

Most people receive lifetime protection from the yellow fever vaccine after just one dosage. Only if you were previously immunised in one of the following situations would a booster dosage be advised:

– When pregnant
– Having a compromised immune system
– When you were HIV-positive
– Prior to a bone marrow transplant

Rarely, a second dose of the vaccine may be recommended if there is any doubt regarding the traveller’s risk of contracting yellow fever, such as if they are working or living for an extended period of time in a high-risk region.

If you’re unsure whether you need a second dose of the yellow fever vaccine before your trip, get guidance from a vaccination clinic.

What countries require the yellow fever vaccine?

Countries that need immunisation for all travellers over the age of 9 months or 1 year include: Cameroon, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Rwanda, Togo, Sierra Leone, Niger. You can get more information here.

Side effects of the yellow fever vaccine

The common mild side effects experienced after getting the yellow fever vaccination include:

– Mild fever
– Joint and muscle pain
– Headache
– Nausea and/or vomiting
– Soreness at the injection site

These adverse reactions are likely to occur from the day of immunisation up to 14 days later and typically last no longer than 3 days.

Is the yellow fever vaccine mandatory?

Yellow fever vaccination is necessary when a foreign government demands vaccination documentation from travellers who enter their country. The “requirement” is there to safeguard countries from the possibility of bringing in or transmitting yellow fever. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t a risk of yellow fever transmission in a country where vaccination is not required.

Most countries require confirmation of vaccination for travellers arriving from or passing through nations where there is a danger of yellow fever. Please be aware that government yellow fever regulations are always subject to revision. It is suggested that you contact the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling.

Book your appointment with Pimhole Pharmacy today to get your yellow fever vaccine in Bury.

 

This blog post was written on behalf of Pimhole Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.