Yellow Fever Shots: Central and South America

Your Trip. Traveling to Central & South America should be filled with exciting experiences, delicious new cuisine and sightseeing the fantastic temples and ruins of the Mayan, Incan and Aztec nations. The last thing on your mind should be contracting a life-threatening illness while abroad. By reading this fact-based article and receiving yellow fever shots before you head off on your long-awaited trip, you and your loved ones can rest assured that you will remain safe.

Yellow Fever. Yellow fever is a life-threatening disease caused by the yellow fever virus. It cannot be spread through person-to-person contact and can only be contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and flu-like symptoms, jaundice, respiratory, liver and kidney failure and in the worst cases—death.

Trouble Spots. Keep in mind that a yellow fever vaccination is needed if your travel plans include any of the following countries:

·       Argentina

·       Bolivia

·       Brazil

·       Colombia

·       Ecuador

·       French Guiana

·       Guyana

·       Panama

·       Paraguay

·       Peru

·       Suriname

·       Trinidad & Tobago

·       Venezuela

Who Should or Should Not Receive a Vaccination. Anyone nine months or older living in or planning on traveling to any of the above mentioned countries SHOULD receive a yellow fever vaccine.

Infants nine months or younger and anyone allergic to eggs, chicken, or gelatin SHOULD NOT receive a yellow fever vaccine.

Are There Any Risks Associated with the Vaccine? Like any vaccine there are some risks associated with receiving it. Most side effects, however, are mild and include soreness and swelling where the shot was given, fever, and aches. If these problems do occur they should subside within 5-10 days.

For more information feel free to contact Yellow fever Clinic in NYC. Simply log on our Travel Clinic NYC website or call 212-696-5900 to set up an appointment.

Making the Most of your Experience. Receiving yellow fever shots before you head off on your trip will remove most of your health-related stress. Providing yourself with necessary protection does not only make you safer--it is the smart thing to do. Don’t be one of those people who veg their life away on a sofa. Do your homework, receive the protection you need and jet off to a million new and exciting experiences!