Yellow fever: Symptoms, Diagnosis and treatment

Yellow fever, also known as yellow plague or yellow jack, is a disease caused by the bite of female mosquito. It only affects humans and some other primates. It is caused by a RNA virus with same name by species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti. Some other species can also transmit it. It is called yellow fever because of the jaundice it causes to some patients.

Symptoms – Symptoms of this disease are fever, headache, back pain, abdominal pain, chills, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, and muscle pain. These signs usually improve between three to five days. In most of the cases, it only last for a few days but in some other cases, it can move to its next level. In the second level of this disease, it can cause liver damage and jaundice. With abdominal pain and fever, bleeding also begins from eyes. It also affects the functions of kidney. Sometimes, vomits also contain blood.

Once you survive it, it provides you yellow fever immunization for life.

Once the virus is transmitted in the human body, it enters the blood stream and infects dendritic cells.

Diagnose - Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate this disease from normal illness because of its flu like symptoms. In the early stages, it can be confused with other flu like diseases. It is diagnosed by blood sample, which is tested with reverse transcription Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Vaccination – The vaccine used for this disease is called 17D, which is in use since 1950s. It was developed by a South African-American doctor Max Theiler in 1937. It provides immunity for ten years or in some case more than that. He received Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1951 for his work.

It is believed that it originated in East or Central Africa. Experts believe that it was introduced to America with the slave from Africa in Colonial times. There is no particular treatment available for yellow fever. One can only take care of the symptoms in patients, such as fever, dehydration, or pain. It can be prevented by reducing the population of mosquitos by killing developing larvae. To kill larvae, techniques such as larva-eating fish and copepods and larvicides are used.

It is common in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. Vaccination for yellow fever is recommended for the people who are planning a trip to the countries in these areas.

Would a trip to Africa be safe, without travel shots?

Yellow fever is a severe medical situation that is spread through mosquitoes. It is a major concern in Africa.

This is the reason why anyone planning trip to this country, without taking adequate measures or travel vaccinations for it, are on the risk.

No way, one would not call their vacations a success, if they return with a health issue like yellow fever. So, take precautions for it, before flying to Africa.

There are different symptoms of yellow fever, which prominently include high fever, vomiting, nausea, headache, pain in joints and muscles, constipation, and liver inflammation. It proves deadly, if not treated at right time with an effective treatment.

So, what to do?

It is possible to keep distance from such issues, when you are on a vacation in Africa through yellow fever travel immunizations. The main purpose of these shots is to protect people from yellow fever, which is common in Africa and South America.

The best part is that this vaccination has ability to keep you safe from yellow fever for more than 10 years. After that, a booster shot is recommended.

Where should you go?

There are specialized travel clinics that provide immunizations of several diseases prevalent in different corners of the world. Moreover, the travel doctors also provide valuable tips to travelers that could help them in preventing themselves from health issues, when they are out for a vacation on a foreign land.

Consider Precautionary Measure before Travelling

Travelling in today’s time has become a Hercules task. It is not confined to merely packing bags; the requirement of medical kit, first-aid box, mosquito repellents has become more of a necessity. Countries in West Africa, parts of South America, Indian subcontinent are the areas, which are affected by fatal diseases, and travelers are reluctant to travel in these parts of the world. Therefore, to ensure safe passage in these parts of the world, there is a remedy, which is available in the form of immunization. There are various clinics, which give travel medicine, which are located in NYC, NJ, mi, la helpful for travelers.

The need for immunizations has increased largely. Every traveler need to carry documents proving he/she has been immunized. There are certain cases where travelers complained of symptoms of fatal diseases in the above countries and they had to make an exit, as availability of medical facilities is scarce in these countries.

There are several tips mentioned below which can be beneficial when one is travelling from one country to another-

1. Sun Burns: There are places in Australia where ozone layer has depleted and it is mandatory to wear a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to protect your skin, shades to protect your eyes, cap to protect your head as ultraviolet rays making a direct contact to our body can be as harmful as it can be.

2. Fluids: It is always helpful to consume as many fluids such as juices, coconut water, and mineral water as it helps in metabolism and care should be taken while sipping water as quality of water differs from one country to another.

3. Medical-kits: To be on safer side, it is advisable to carry a medical kit with necessary material as it might be the case that the counters in other countries might be giving a sub-standard prescription, which are not approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

4. Altitude: There are individuals, who suffer from dizziness, fatigue, tiredness when they reach at a height of 5000-6000 meters as low oxygen levels affects their brain. So, individuals should make an effort to avoid these kinds of expeditions where they suffer from such kind of phobias.

5. Jet Lag: Travelling from one part to another part in the world results in changing of the time. Moreover, this takes days or weeks to adjust this kind of timing. The remedy to this is light exercise and diet.

What if you travel abroad, without travel vaccines?

You get sick if you travel abroad (in certain parts of the world), without any vaccines!

A few years back, traveling abroad was like a dream but now cheap flights and easy visa policies made that dream come true. Affordable and fast air travel has made it easy for people to travel abroad now, but there are some health precautions, everyone should consider before flying abroad.

You do not want to get sick while on a foreign land. There are many countries in the world, where some serious diseases are prevalent, and you need to be proactive about the precaution when traveling to such a country. Most travellers get sick with the diseases, against which they have no natural immunity, nor have they taken any prior medical precaution.

Therefore, before flying to a different country, you should research about the common diseases in that country and get vaccination for that disease in advance. Most common diseases that you can fall prey to transmit through mosquitos.

Malaria, Hepatitis A and B, Cholera, Yellow fever and Influenza are some of the common travel diseases, which require prior vaccination. The natives of the country develop immunity against the diseases while travellers require vaccination as their defence.

Travel vaccines are shots, which you can get before going to certain countries to protect yourself from the local diseases of the country you are travelling, by creating antibodies in your body. You should visit a travel clinic, discuss with the doctor and get vaccinated for all the diseases prevalent in the part of the world you are travelling. There are some important points in travel vaccination, you should consider; take a look:

 1. Some diseases only affect people of a particular age. So the traveller should get checked for these diseases and get the proper vaccination.

 2. Many countries made the rule of vaccination, mandatory before entering the country. Like some countries in South America and even Africa will not let you in until you prove them that you have the certified yellow fever vaccination.

 3. Yellow fever vaccination shots lasts for at least 10 years. Therefore, if you had the yellow fever vaccination shot in last 10 years, you do not need another one.

 4. Some travel vaccination take four to six weeks to complete while some vaccinations take only 7 days, so you should get vaccinated at least 1 or 2 months in advance of your trip.

 5. You should share all your travel plans with the doctor. If you are planning to visit more than one country, then you should get all the vaccination needed.

 6. Traveller should always be prepared and carry a medical kit with him or her with all the necessary medication.

 7. Some people have allergy to some vaccines, in that case they should discuss it with the doctor.

 8. Vaccination also depends on your age, health, country, and time of the year you are traveling. If you are traveling with family, make sure everyone gets proper vaccination.

Travel vaccines in New York City and other big cities are easy and affordable to get as well as in small towns. You just have to visit a travel clinic, tell them your traveling plans, and get the vaccination.

Are you travelling to meningitis belt prone areas?

Meningitis is a bacterial disease, which is caused because of contaminated food, water and respiratory secretions (e.g. coughing or sneezing). It is a communicable disease, which can be spread due to sharing drinking glasses or intimate contact.

Sudden fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck are few of the common symptoms that people might face, if suffering from meningitis.

However, anyone can get meningococcal disease, but certain groups of people are at increased risk. From the word certain group, we here refer to travelers.

Travelers who are moving to locations like parts of Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, they are at a higher risk of getting in contact with this disease.

However, it is not necessary that travelers who are visiting these areas they are definitely going to catch this disease, but travelers who would be staying for long, live with locals in rural areas, attend the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia, visit the country during seasonal work or dry season, they are likely to get prone to meningitis.

Studies have shown that some age groups have higher rates of meningitis than others. These include children under age 5, teenagers and young adults age 16-25 and adults over age 55. However, it is more of a danger for people who are suffering with certain medical conditions such as damaged spleen, chronic disease, or immune system disorders.

Therefore, travelers who are travelling to such locations, they can prevent meningococcal disease by getting vaccination. Following is piece of information related to meningitis vaccine:

• Meningitis A, C, W135 and Y types of vaccines are available.
• Prior 2 to 3 weeks from travelling, vaccination is given to the person.
• Adults and children get one dose, which last for 5 years.
• For children under 5, protection last for 2 to 3 years.
• Babies who are 2 months to 2 years old, they get 2 doses as protection in them does not last for a longer time as compared to adults.
• Vaccine to babies under 2 months old is not suitable.
• Travelers going to the Hajj needs to show proof of vaccination.

However, here the question arises from where one should get themselves vaccinated? Well, visiting a travel clinic is an optimal option here. They are expert in providing vaccinations to travelers in, which other centers are not equipped at (because they have complete information regarding the disease prone areas).

A few effective ways for minimizing effects of jet lag

Traveling is one of the best activities for alleviating stress and tensions. Due to hectic life schedules, most of the people want to take off from their normal routines and prefer to vacate in a foreign country. Traveling gives them pleasure as they get an opportunity to visit places of their choice.

Most of the travelers are not familiar with risks of traveling to foreign countries. In case, if you are planning to visit Africa, then you need to be cautious as there are many health diseases, which are common in African countries. Nobody likes to fall sick, when vacating outside their native country.

In such circumstances, it would be a fair idea to visit a travel clinic to get detailed information about place you are planning to visit along with travel medicine by an expert in NYC. The experts in these clinics will not only provide you adequate ways for preventing health illnesses but also they will give you valuable tips for minimizing effects of jet lag.

When you travel abroad, you cross several times zones. The body clock gets disturbed on crossing time zones. In such condition, sleep, wakefulness and other activities get affected, causing irritability, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

The travel expert will let you know ways to prevent effects of jet lag, amongst those, the most important ones are as follows:

1. Consistent sleep pattern

Do not allow your sleep to get affected a few weeks before journey. Sleep well to reduce effects of jet lag. Apart from this, several days before your journey, adjust your internal clock according to place you are visiting. In simple words, follow time schedule of that place. Sleep according to clock of country you are planning to visit.

2. Prefer over night flights

Take your dinner at the normal time and prefer to sleep in the flight for hours you sleep daily. Doing so will make it easy for you to adjust according to present time zone.

3. Avoid drinking coffee

Do not drink coffee while traveling as it will reduce your sleep and make you awake for hours. Taking rest during traveling is the best way for reducing effects of altitude sickness and jet lag.

4. Drink lots of water

Stay hydrated, even if you are not thirsty. Dehydration is common while traveling in a plane. Therefore, it is a must to drink lots of water to prevent feeling tired and fatigue.

5. Eat anti jet lag diet

Consult a travel expert to get information about food items that will minimize effects of jet lag.