Saturday, January 24, 2015

Precautions you need to take for Yellow Fever before traveling to Africa

Taking health precautions before traveling to other countries is a necessary step of travel preparations. These precautions becomes more important when you are traveling to the countries with the risk of diseases, you are not immune from. Usually people get immunized from the disease of their native countries. However, while visiting other nations such as African, tourists are usually at risk of getting infected from viruses or bacteria.

However, yellow fever is a common disease in the in tropical regions of African countries. Tourists visiting these nations are always at risk of catching this viral disease. This is why you need to follow some precautions before visiting African countries. These precautions are –

Getting vaccinated – First thing you need to do is, visiting a travel clinic in NYC or in the city you live. Vaccination for yellow fever lasts at least for ten years. In most people, this vaccine shot protects them from this disease for almost thirty years. At this clinic, you will be checked for the requirement of vaccine shot. Physician will check your medical history to see, if you ever received this vaccination. If received then if it is still protecting you or not.

You will get vaccinated, if you never received vaccine shot before. Also, make sure to get vaccination certificate since many African countries do not allow tourist to enter their boundaries without a certificate. It is also important to get vaccinated 10 days before traveling, since this vaccine starts protection in 10 days.

Protect yourself from mosquitos – Since yellow fever is spread by the bite of female mosquito, protect yourself from them. Mosquito infects people from the RNA virus, which is the cause of this disease. Cover yourself with long sleeve clothes and avoid wearing shorts etc. Sleep only in air-conditioned or screened accommodations. You can also use a mosquito net while sleeping. Use appropriate repellents or bug spray to protect you from mosquitos.

By following above-mentioned precautions, you can protect yourself from yellow fever. However, you also need to follow other precautions to protect yourself from other diseases such as diarrhea.
  • During trip, you must drink and eat from a safe place only. Eat foods that are properly cooked. Avoid eating fruits and vegetables that were not cleaned in front of you.
  • Drink sealed and bottled water only. Avoid drinking tap water or unpasteurized milk.
  • Also, avoid going to risky areas, where there are high chances of infections.