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You could be preparing for the adventure of a lifetime on an African Safari or simply taking your kids back to your hometown where you were born. During your travel preparations, you will come across the term Yellow Fever. Yellow fever is an illness caused by a virus spread through the bite of a mosquito carrying the infection. The disease is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, with intermittent epidemic outbreaks. Even though it can be a frightening illness, modern medicine has provided us with a powerful defense against this deadly virus - the yellow fever vaccine.
Yellow fever stands out from other diseases due to the existence of International Health Regulations (IHR) that specify the necessary proof of vaccination for travel to certain countries. In Canada, the Yellow Fever vaccine can only be obtained at designated Yellow Fever vaccination centers approved by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Whole Health Pharmacy Edmonton is one of the designated centers in Edmonton.
In this blog, we will explore the significance and advantages of the yellow fever vaccine, highlighting why it is essential to consider receiving the vaccination.
Understanding Yellow Fever
It typically takes 3 to 6 days after infection for symptoms of yellow fever to manifest. These symptoms include fever, chills, headache, joint and muscle pain, back pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and dehydration. The majority of individuals infected with the yellow fever virus either remain asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms, recovering within 3-4 days.
However, approximately 15% of patients enter a secondary, more severe phase within 24 hours of recuperating from initial symptoms. This phase is characterized by the onset of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes thus the name yellow fever), bleeding from various parts of the body such as the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach, shock (resulting from inadequate blood flow), as well as liver, kidney, or other organ failure. Half of these individuals succumb within 10-14 days.
Enter the Yellow Fever Vaccine
The yellow fever vaccine is a game-changer when it comes to protection against this deadly disease. Over 80% of individuals who receive the yellow fever vaccine develop neutralizing antibodies within 10 days of vaccination, with over 99% achieving this by day 28. For those with a healthy immune system, a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine is expected to provide lifelong immunity. Know
What side effects can be caused by the yellow fever vaccine?
When you get the yellow fever vaccine, you might feel some mild side effects like a slight fever, headache, and muscle aches. These usually kick in a few days after getting the shot and can last 5-10 days. It's also pretty common to have some soreness, redness, or swelling where you got the injection. Nothing too serious, just your body reacting to the vaccine.
Rarely, serious reactions may occur following the yellow fever vaccine, such as nervous system reactions (encephalitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, among others), and multi-organ failure. Age younger than 6 months and older than 60 and a weakened immune system increase the risk of serious reactions to the yellow fever vaccine
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for healthy people 9 months of age and older who:
Travel: Travelers visiting regions with yellow fever should get vaccinated to safeguard their health.
Healthcare Workers: Due to their increased risk of exposure, healthcare workers are advised to receive the yellow fever vaccine.
Residents of Endemic Areas: Individuals living in or near regions prone to yellow fever transmission should consider vaccination.
Individuals aged 60 years and above should be cautious when considering the yellow fever vaccine. The vaccine is typically not advised for individuals with compromised immune systems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with a history of thymus disease.
Protecting Yourself and Others
In a world threatened by infectious diseases, the yellow fever vaccine offers hope. Get vaccinated so you not only protect yourself from harm but also play a part in promoting public health for the benefit of all.
Before you set off on your next adventure, make sure you prioritize your health and well-being. Connect with our travel clinic for essential information and resources to stay safe and healthy during your trip. Whole Health Pharmacy Edmonton offers a travel clinic with no consultation fee, no injection, and no certificate fee. Contact us today and let's make your travel health a top priority!
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