Yellow fever Vaccine – The world is full of diseases. Some of these diseases are very common, While some of them are extremely rare. It is in your own hand to prevent these diseases and ensure your safety along with the safety of your friends and family.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States keeps updating about these diseases on its official website. At the same time, the CDC also lets everyone know about the status of these diseases in the United States.
A similar thing is also happening with yellow fever. Yellow fever is spread by particular species of mosquito, and the disease is very common in several parts of South America and Africa.
The United States does not record many cases of yellow fever in the country, and they are more common in people who have recently traveled to South America or Africa. Today, we are here to discuss everything regarding yellow fever, including the yellow fever vaccine.
What is Yellow Fever?
Yellow fever is a viral infection that is transmitted by the bite of a specific mosquito. These types of mosquitoes are more common in subtropical areas of Africa and South America.
Countries like Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, and Venezuela in South America record higher cases of yellow fever as compared to North America.
Similarly, Countries like Angola, Dominic Republic of Congress, pharma Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Togo, and Liberia, record more cases of yellow fever as compared to other parts of Africa.
The United States does not record many cases of yellow fever, and most cases are in international travelers. People who have been infected with the virus can experience a wide variety of symptoms starting from common symptoms to all the way Severe illnesses.
What are the Causes of Yellow fever?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States have identified around 44 countries that are at high risk of yellow fever Transmission, and the United States is not one of those.
The CDC and the World Health Organization believe that yellow fever is spread to humans from the bites of infected mosquitoes. Infected people cannot suspend yellow fever to each other like COVID-19 or any other virus.
There are some different species of mosquitoes that are known to transmit yellow fever. Some of these species breed in urban areas and some in jungles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest everyone who is traveling to South America or Africa use mosquito Nets to prevent insects, including infected mosquitoes.
Apart from the infected mosquitoes, the CDC also believed that yellow fever could be transmitted through contaminated needles. If you are among those who are going to travel to Africa or South America, then you should make sure you are getting the right treatment, as contaminated needles can also spread it.
How severe is yellow fever?
The World Health Organization believes that more than 200,000 people get infected with yellow fever each year in the whole world.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also believe there are more than 44 countries that are more vulnerable to cases of yellow fever as compared to the United States.
The United States usually records 1000 cases of yellow fever in the country each year, and most of those cases are associated with international travel.
Due to a lack of diagnosis and treatment, the whole world recorded around 30,000 deaths due to yellow fever. The United States does not record many deaths due to yellow fever, and Americans are suggested to take the vaccine before traveling to South America or African countries.
The vaccine to prevent yellow fever
Similar to several other viruses, the Centers for Disease Control and prevention of the United States suggests a vaccine for yellow fever as well.
The CDC suggests everyone above the age of 9 months should be getting vaccinated with the yellow fever vaccine before traveling to Africa or South American countries. At the same time, similar recommendations are for people who are living in high-risk areas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States recommend a single-dose vaccine for yellow fever. A second dose or booster dose is not required for the yellow fever vaccine.
For people who are traveling to areas where the cases of yellow fever are rising, and it is becoming an outbreak, the CDC recommends everyone gets a booster shot.
Apart from that, people who were vaccinated ten years ago are also suggested to get a booster shot. The CDC suggests everyone Consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to any African or South American country.
Vaccine not recommended
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States do not recommend the use of the yellow fever vaccine for 4 people in the below-given categories.
If you also fall in the below-given categories, then we highly recommend you consult with your healthcare provider before getting yourself vaccinated with the yellow fever vaccine.
- People who are allergic to any ingredients used in the vaccine should not get themselves vaccinated at all.
- Anyone below the age of 6 months in the United States should not get vaccinated.
- Organ transplant recipients are also suggested not to take the yellow fever vaccine.
- People who have been diagnosed with a malignant tumor or with primary Immunodeficiency are also not suggested to get vaccinated with the same.
Apart from the above-given categories, there are several other categories where the CDC does not recommend the use of the yellow fever vaccine. Everyone should consult their physical health with their healthcare provider before getting their self vaccinated with the same.
Where to get the yellow fever vaccine?
Now comes one of the biggest questions of the day. Where can you get yourself vaccinated with the yellow fever vaccine in the United States?
Well, you might not be surprised to know that Americans can get themselves vaccinated with the yellow fever vaccine at most big pharmacies in the country.
For example, you can easily create an appointment using the official website of Walgreens pharmacy to get yourself vaccinated with the yellow fever vaccine.
As per the CDC guidelines, everyone who is traveling to South America or Africa should get their self vaccinated with the yellow fever vaccine at least ten days prior to their travel.
One of the biggest issues you are going to face when it comes to getting yourself vaccinated with the yellow fever vaccine is its availability. Pharmacy chains like Walgreens claim that they have a yellow fever vaccine, but it is not going to be available at every pharmacy on their list. In
That is why you might have to ask your nearby pharmacy to get the vaccine or visit some other locations. You can also use the above event button to create an online appointment and check the availability of the yellow fever vaccine at different locations of Walgreens.
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Yellow Fever
The diagnosis and treatment of yellow fever can be a little bit tricky. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest everyone visit their healthcare provider right away if they are experiencing any symptoms associated with yellow fever after visiting any high-risk country.
Your healthcare expert will take a look at your symptoms and talk about your experience while traveling. Later, your healthcare expert might suggest that you should get yourself a blood test.
Blood tests are known to be one of the best diagnoses for yellow fever. A blood test can help your doctor analyze the presence of the virus over the antibodies in the blood.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure available for yellow fever. The treatment of yellow fever is mainly going to focus on managing your symptoms and assisting your immune system in fighting the infection on its own.
Your healthcare expert might keep you for observations and keep you as healthy as possible. Usually, healthcare experts try to lower the intensity of fever And manage other symptoms associated with jaundice.
If you have been diagnosed with yellow fever, then we highly recommend you consult old treatment options with your healthcare provider. The United States might not record many deaths due to yellow fever, but there is a probability as the whole world records more than 30,000 each year.
What is the price of a yellow fever vaccine in the United States?
The yellow fever vaccine is a paid vaccine in the United States. A patient might have to spend around $170 to $200 to get the vaccine. These types of vaccines are not usually covered by the health insurance provider. You can still consult with customer care for reimbursement.