Yellow Fever: An Infection To Beware
Yellow fever is caused by a virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family, and the yellow Flavivirus genus . This infection is not spread from person to person, but is spread by the bite of a mosquito.
After the bite there is an incubation period between 3 and 6 days, until the symptoms appear. Not all mosquitoes are contagious, only those that have bitten a sick individual.
The name of the disease highlights the yellowing of the skin of the person is infected. It is also known as black vomit or American fever.
Although there is a vaccine against it, it is necessary to inform about how this disease evolves, in order to take the appropriate measures.
How can you tell if a person has yellow fever?
After the person is bitten by the mosquito and the incubation period has passed, the individual begins to present several characteristic symptoms of yellow fever. Some of them are:
- Fever.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Conjunctivitis.
- General discomfort.
- Liver dysfunction
- Pain in the lumbosacral.
- Bleeding in various parts of the body.
- Arrhythmias, heart problems.
- Death, if the person is not treated in time.
How can yellow fever be prevented?
Yellow fever is prevented by avoiding a mosquito bite, and we do so by following the following tips:
- Use mosquito nets and air conditioning .
- Wear clothing that covers the entire body.
- If you travel to endemic areas, use repellants that are long-lasting.
- Avoid using perfumes, as these attract mosquitoes.
- And finally, the most effective method is the yellow fever vaccine, which is administered in a single dose and lasts for 10 years.
Can everyone get the vaccine?
No. Only people between the ages of 9 months to 59 years of age. People who plan to travel to a place where yellow fever is known, and those who travel outside the country.
Also, HIV patients can have it inserted, but the effect is less. In the case of pregnant women, if they are vaccinated during pregnancy, their baby will be born protected.
Nor can it be administered to those people who are allergic to eggs, chicken protein and gelatin because the vaccine is made from a chicken embryo, so caution must be exercised.
On the other hand, this vaccine should only be administered in healthcare centers. At the time of vaccination, the patient is given a yellow card signed and stamped by said center. This card lasts 10 years.
Effects that the vaccine can produce
Like any other vaccine, it can cause serious reactions, such as: myalgia and low-grade fever, shortness of breath and hives.
In addition, you may have pale skin and a rapid heartbeat, and in children, redness or swelling. Also, you may have a fever, which disappears two days later, even to death.
If a severe reaction occurs, what should be done?
If an adverse reaction occurs or you suspect that you have yellow fever, a doctor should be called immediately. Also, you should go to a health center immediately.
On the other hand, the symptoms should be told to the doctor. Also, inform him of the day and time the vaccination was given.
In short, you must be vigilant and take the necessary measures to avoid infection. Also, if you travel to places where there are many mosquitoes and where yellow fever is known to occur. Especially if you have small children, you should be aware, since they are more likely to be bitten by this mosquito.
So, be very careful, and if you suspect such infection, immediately consult your doctor who will perform several tests and give you the necessary recommendations to counteract it.
