What is Yellow Fever?

Yellow Fever: What you need to know

Are you planning on traveling soon? If your destination includes parts of Africa or South America, it’s important to be aware of yellow fever—a serious viral infection. The good news is that it’s preventable with the yellow fever vaccine, which offers lifelong protection and can be required for entry into some countries. Stay prepared and check if you need the vaccine before you go!

What Is Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is a serious viral infection spread by infected mosquitoes. It gets its name from one of its symptoms—jaundice—which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. The good news? Yellow fever is easily preventable with a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine. If you’re travelling to a country where the virus is present, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, as in very severe cases yellow fever can lead to serious health complications, such as organ failure and internal bleeding, and it can even be fatal.

How Do You Get Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes, mainly a type called Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes pick up the virus when they bite someone who’s already infected (whether that’s a person or another primate) and then can pass it along to the next person they bite. Think of these mosquitos as tiny, unintentional carriers, moving the virus from one host to another.

There are three ways yellow fever spreads:

· Jungle transmission – In rainforests, monkeys can carry the virus, and mosquitoes pass it between them. If a person visits these areas and gets bitten, they can become infected too.

· Intermediate transmission – In some regions of Africa, where people live close to forests, mosquitoes pass the virus between humans and monkeys.

· Urban transmission – If an infected person travels to a city, mosquitoes in urban areas can spread yellow fever from person to person.

While yellow fever isn’t contagious between humans through casual contact like hugging and kissing, it can spread through direct contact with infected blood, such as sharing contaminated needles. The yellow fever vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself, reducing the risk of infection and preventing the spread of the virus. Do you want to read up more about insect bites? Head to our guide here: Insect Bites on Holiday.

Where Is Yellow Fever Found?

Are you looking ahead to your next holiday? Knowing which countries contain yellow fever is just as important as remembering to pack your sun cream! Yellow fever is common in tropical and subtropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South America, with some areas of Central America and the Caribbean also affected.

Many countries require proof of vaccination before entry, so before you jet off, check our Superdrug Travel Vaccination Checker to see if the yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required for your destination.

Is Yellow Fever Serious?

While most people bounce back from yellow fever within just a few days, this illness can take a frightening turn in some cases. When the infection progresses to what doctors call the “toxic phase,” the odds become quite sobering – about half of these severe cases end in fatalities.

This is why healthcare providers stress the importance of getting that yellow fever vaccine before visiting places where the disease is common. It’s one of those precautions that might seem like a hassle when you’re planning your trip, but it could literally save your life. No one wants to bring back a life-threatening souvenir from their travels.

Yellow Fever Symptoms

Symptoms of yellow fever usually develop within 3 to 6 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Early symptoms include:

· Fever

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· Tiredness

· Sensitivity to light

Severe symptoms (toxic phase) include:

· Abdominal pain

· Kidney failure

· Seizures and coma

· Internal bleeding

· Bleeding from the mouth, nose, and eyes

· Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

If you experience any of these severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. You can find out more here: Yellow Fever Symptoms

Yellow Fever Treatment

There is currently no cure for yellow fever, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms while your immune system fights the infection.

· Pain relief – Medications like paracetamol can help ease fever and aches.

· Hydration – Staying hydrated is essential, especially if you have vomiting or fever.

· Hospital care – Severe cases may require hospitalisation for intensive treatment.

How to Prevent Yellow Fever

1. Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection, as is available across the UK at Superdrug Health Clinics A single dose provides lifelong protection, meaning you only need to get vaccinated once!

Yellow Fever Vaccine at Superdrug

Superdrug provides yellow fever vaccines at selected Health Clinics, where our friendly healthcare professionals are here to offer expert advice and make sure you’re fully protected before you travel. Find your nearest yellow fever clinic here: Yellow Fever Centres.

Yellow Fever FAQ’s:

When should I get the yellow fever vaccine?

At least 10 days before you travel.

Do I need a booster?

Boosters are not required for most people; exceptions include children under 2 years old.

What is the course of treatment?

One dose.

How is it given?

Injection in the upper arm.

How long does it last?

One dose provides lifetime protection.

What are the side effects?

Side effects from the vaccine are mild and rare – common ones include soreness at the injection site, headache, and mild pain.

Who cannot get the yellow fever vaccine?

It is not usually recommended for children under nine months.

Are there any certificate requirements?

Some countries require an official yellow fever certificate, which becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.

How Much Does the Yellow Fever Vaccine Cost at Superdrug?

Per Dose: £74 Doses per Course: 1 Total Price: £74

Book Your Yellow Fever Vaccine at Superdrug

2. Avoid Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes are the main culprits when it comes to spreading yellow fever, so it’s important to take steps to avoid bites.

Here are some simple ways to protect yourself:

· Use insect repellent – Apply a repellent with DEET to exposed skin to keep those mosquitoes away.

· Wear protective clothing – Long sleeves and trousers can help shield you from bites.

· Sleep under a mosquito net – This is especially important in areas with a high risk of yellow fever.

Even if you’ve had the yellow fever vaccine, it’s still a good idea to protect yourself from mosquito bites, as they can spread other diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and zika

Traveling Soon? Get Your Yellow Fever Vaccine at Superdrug

If you’re heading to a yellow fever country, make sure you’re protected. Superdrug makes it easy to book your yellow fever vaccine and get expert travel health advice.

Book Your Appointment Today