Monday, October 13, 2014

Vising African countries? Get vaccination for Yellow Fever first

African is one of the hottest holiday nations in world. However, in African countries, several types of diseases like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid are very common. Common diseases make it important for travelers to get proper vaccination before visiting African countries. However, most important vaccination for Africa is of Yellow Fever.

It is a very common disease in the tropical areas of West and Central African countries. In many countries, certificate of yellow fever vaccination is a necessary document. This certificate is valid for 10 years and this period starts from 10 days after shot. Travelers cannot enter borders of these nations without proving that they had proper vaccine shots. This disease is also common in some of the Central and South American nations.

Yellow fever is a viral disease, which is spread due to the bite of female mosquitos. Mosquito’s bite releases RNA virus in body, which starts illness. It is dangerous for humans and primates. It can be fatal, however there is no permanent damage caused to body.

Symptoms – Yellow fever has symptoms like fever, headaches, chills, vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea, pains in back, stomach and other muscles. It can also damage liver by jaundice, which causes yellow skin tone. Symptoms start showing in early days of infection like three to six days. Due to its flu like symptoms, sometime people misunderstand it for other infections or sicknesses.

Diagnosis – Diagnosis of yellow fever can be done by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It can be done in after six to 10 days of sickness.

Prevention – this disease can be prevented by getting proper vaccination before visiting risky areas. If you are visiting African countries, then you must get vaccine shots at least 10 days prior to traveling. In most people, vaccines start protection after ten days of shots. So, it is always good to be on safe side. Good thing about this vaccination is that it can last for 10 years. Just after one shot, you can forget your worries about yellow fever for years. In many people, this vaccine protection can last for even 30 years.

It is always good to discuss with your doctor even if you already got your vaccination years before. During your trip, you must protect yourself from insect or mosquito bites. Avoid going in the risky areas.

If you are visiting any African nation, it becomes necessary to discuss with your doctor and get proper vaccine shots. You can also visit a travel clinic, where vaccines shots for this disease are available. Doctors there can also give your health safety instructions for trip.