5 Reasons it is Vital for You to Have the Yellow Fever Vaccine

Yellow fever is transmitted via infected mosquitoes; it can seriously harm your health, prevent you from entering certain countries, and definitely disrupt your travel plans. If you'll be heading to an area in which contracting yellow fever is possible, it is vital that you receive the proper vaccination and carry the proper vaccination certificate. Here are just 5 reasons why.

1. Countries Can Bar Your Entry

Yellow fever is a serious problem across many developing nations, so they are well within their rights to bar entry to anyone who arrives from a country where it is prevalent without the possession of a yellow fever vaccination certificate. You may be forced to buy a ticket elsewhere or even be placed in a quarantine zone. Even returning to Australia can be problematic since Australian immigration agents will also require a certificate, even from their own citizens.

2. It's Widespread

Yellow fever is widespread across many countries in South America and Africa. In fact, Australia's list of declared areas includes 43 countries. If you're travelling to either South America or Africa, you're extremely likely to venture into an area in which yellow fever is prevalent.

3. The Effects Are Serious

The effects of yellow fever are extremely unpleasant. Early signs will include headaches, muscle fatigue, fever, vomiting, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin). As the condition gets worse, you may experience more serious problems, including severe bleeding, organ failure, seizures, and delirium. No medication has been proven useful in treating the disorder, so treatment usually relies upon providing fluids and oxygen, replacing blood, and providing dialysis for kidney failure.

4. Symptoms Don't Appear Right Away

One of the biggest problems travellers face with yellow fever is that there is an incubation period of around three to six days in which no signs or symptoms will be experienced. This means that it is possible to contract the condition before heading out on some sort of remote activity. There will be few treatment options available on a river cruise or jungle trek, and the physical effects may make it impossible for you to participate.

5. The Vaccine is Simple and Effective

Some vaccinations require several injections before they become effective, but the yellow fever vaccine can be completed with just one injection. Protection will last at least ten years and might last your whole life. Effective immunity is established within 30 days for 99% of persons vaccinated.

Risking travel to affected areas without having the yellow fever vaccination is an unnecessary risk, so make sure you get yourself protected.

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