Yellow fever is a serious illness spread by biting mosquitoes. It is endemic in certain parts of the world many of which will require certification before you can visit to prove that you have had the yellow fever vaccination. To find out more about this disease and whether you should have the yellow fever vaccination, visit Miles Pharmay’s travel clinic in Epsom.
What are the symptoms of yellow fever?
Following a mosquito bite, the symptoms of yellow fever will develop around 4-5 days later.
Symptoms include:-
- Headache
- High temperature or fever
- Backache and muscle aches
- Nausea and sickness
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of appetite
Around a quarter of people who contract yellow fever will go on to develop life-threatening reactions which can include jaundice, bleeding from the facial orifices and vomiting blood or passing blood in faeces.
The yellow fever vaccine
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended as protection against the disease if you are travelling to countries where yellow fever is found. Some countries will require certification to prove you have had the vaccine before you are allowed to travel there.
If certification is required, then you will need to have the yellow fever vaccine at least ten days before travelling as the certificate will only be valid after this time period has elapsed. The vaccine and certificate are only available from registered yellow fever vaccination centres.
The certificates are called an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) and are valid for life including the old-style versions which did have an expiry date.
The vaccination is given as one sole injection into the upper arm.
Protection against mosquito bites
Even if you have had the yellow fever vaccine, it is still important to protect yourself against mosquito bites as mosquitoes carry other serious diseases such as malaria and dengue.
Not everyone should have the yellow fever vaccine and this includes people with a weakened immune system or who are undergoing certain treatments like chemotherapy. It is important to discuss your health and current vaccination status with a qualified healthcare professional. Find out more about the yellow fever vaccination from Miles Pharmacy’s travel clinic in Epsom and stay safe when you travel abroad.