About Yellow Fever and What to Expect From the Vaccine

If you are travelling from Australia to certain countries in Africa and South America, you may need a yellow fever vaccine. While yellow fever is rare in Australia, the disease is highly prevalent in many tropical and subtropical countries. If you get the disease, you could be at risk for severe complications. Read on to learn more about yellow fever and what you should expect from the vaccine.

What Is Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is a potentially serious mosquito-borne disease common in many parts of the world. Infected people start to show symptoms about three to six days after exposure. After that, you may experience the acute phase. During this time, you will likely have a fever, nausea, and muscle aches. Some people also get red eyes and sensitivity to light.

If you are fortunate, you will feel better within a few days from symptom onset. However, some people go on to have a more serious toxic phase. This phase severely affects many major organs. You may experience jaundice with skin and eye yellowing.

No antiviral medications are available for yellow fever. The most effective way to treat this disease is with early supportive treatment. The doctor will work to keep you hydrated and protect your organs. After the toxic phase is over, you may still have complications. However, once you've recovered from the disease, even if it is mild, you should have immunity.

How Does Yellow Fever Vaccine Work?

The yellow fever vaccine works to create an antibody response to the disease without becoming ill. For most people, the vaccine is safe and effective. Reactions are rare and limited to muscle aches and low-grade fevers that resolve themselves within ten days. Immunity from the vaccine is long-lasting for most people.

Who Should Not Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine?

The yellow fever vaccine is contraindicated (not recommended) for some populations. Generally, people who are under nine months old, over 60 years old, and pregnant should not get the vaccine. Also, since this vaccination uses eggs in its development, you shouldn't get the vaccine if you are severely allergic to eggs.

Before you travel to a country with yellow fever problems, get a medical checkup. Your doctor can best advise you on if you should be vaccinated. Most countries that require yellow fever vaccinations want you to get them at a certain time before you arrive. Timing is important to ensure you have maximum immunity. If you can't get the vaccine, then talk to your doctor about alternative preventative measures.