Yellow Fever Vaccine
in Washington DC

Getting vaccinated against yellow fever lowers your chances of contracting the virus. Knowing more about the yellow fever vaccine and how it works might help you make better medical decisions for yourself and your family.

About yellow fever

Yellow fever is a virus that can be contracted by being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. According to the National Library of Medicine, anyone can catch yellow fever, while older persons are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection (NLM). According to the NLM, this disease is widespread in South America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Yellow fever symptoms

According to the National Library of Medicine, yellow fever has three stages: infection, remission, and intoxication. The symptoms of yellow fever vary depending on where you are in the disease.

Acute infection phase

The acute infection phase, also known as the acute phase, is the first stage of yellow fever. Symptoms in the acute phase, according to the NLM, normally go away in three to four days and include:

• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fever
• Flushing
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice

The remission stage of yellow fever is the second stage. According to the National Library of Medicine, some persons recover completely from yellow fever during this phase, while others acquire more severe symptoms and advance to the toxic phase.

Toxic phase

The toxic or intoxication stage of yellow fever is the third stage. According to the National Library of Medicine, symptoms in the toxic phase mainly impact the organs, particularly the heart, liver, and kidney. These signs and symptoms include:

• Decreased urination
• Irregular heart rate
• Bleeding disorders
• Seizures
• Delirium
• Coma

When to see a doctor

The National Library of Medicine recommends visiting a doctor at least 10 to 14 days before traveling to a place where yellow fever is common. Yellow fever is widespread in various parts of Africa and South America, according to the report. This information can be used by your doctor to assess if you should be vaccinated against yellow fever.

When you return home from these nations, you should also see your doctor. If you or a family member has developed fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or jaundice after traveling to a place where yellow fever is frequent, the National Library of Medicine advises calling your doctor right once.

Causes of yellow fever

The virus that causes yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes. If you are not vaccinated against yellow fever and are bitten by one of these mosquitoes, you may contract the disease. The yellow fever virus is primarily found in Africa and South America, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Yellow fever risk factors

A major risk factor for yellow fever is not having had a yellow fever vaccine. According to the National Library of Medicine, avoiding yellow fever-endemic nations in Africa and South America can minimize your risk of contracting the disease.

According to the CDC, you can further reduce your risk by using insect repellent products, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and controlling mosquitoes both indoors and outdoors.

Complications from yellow fever

According to the National Library of Medicine, yellow fever can cause a variety of major health concerns. If you contract yellow fever, you may have internal bleeding and perhaps death.

Other potential complications from yellow fever include:

• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Salivary gland infection
• Secondary bacterial infections
• Shock
• Coma

Yellow fever prevention

According to the National Library of Medicine, the yellow fever vaccine may prevent yellow fever. Staying in screened-in or air-conditioned locations, wearing protective clothing, and utilizing good insect repellent products are all excellent preventative techniques.

Yellow fever vaccine

According to the CDC, the yellow fever vaccine can provide lifelong protection against this virus. According to the National Library of Medicine, this vaccine is recommended for use in people aged nine months to 59 years who are traveling to or living in a region where yellow fever is known to exist. Many nations need confirmation of yellow fever vaccination before allowing you to enter.

Mosquito protection

The best strategy to avoid mosquito bites, according to the CDC, is to use an insect repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Repellents that have been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contain active components including DEET and oil of lemon eucalyptus, which can keep mosquitoes away and prevent mosquito bites and yellow fever.

To avoid mosquito bites, the CDC suggests wearing long-sleeved shirts and slacks and staying indoors where window screens and air conditioners are available and fully functional.