Yellow
fever is a devastating disease spread by the bites of mosquitoes (and primates!) and is still prevalent in
Africa(Kenya, Zambia,etc), the
Caribbean, and Central and South America(Brazil,
Peru,etc). The yellow fever virus has probably existed in some form for
thousands of years and is believed to have originated in Africa from other,
very similar, viruses.
Traveling to these geographical locations where the
disease is still rampant is risky without a yellow fever vaccination. Yet
anyone who would rush out to get an inoculation without doing his or her
homework on the effects and risks would be careless… at best.
Let us weigh the pros and cons of a yellow fever vaccine,
shall we? First off, let’s look at what happens to a person who is infected
with the virus. Symptoms of yellow fever include high fever, bloodshot eyes,
furry tongue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, muscle pains, kidney
and liver inflammation, jaundice, gastrointestinal bleeding, delirium,
convulsion…and vomiting blood. Although most people with yellow fever recover,
between fifteen and fifty percent of patients with severe yellow fever disease
succumb to it and die.
Now for the vaccination: The yellow fever vaccine has been
administered for several decades. It is a live-yet-safe virus vaccine and just
a single dose protects for a little over ten years. After the ten-year mark a
booster shot is recommended. The vaccine can be administered to most anyone
over the age of just nine months. It is recommended that pregnant women or
persons suffering from any form of immune system suppression consult with a
professional. This physician can help you weigh the risks of exposure against
the risks of immunization.
All in all, it seems clear that anyone traveling to the
above mentioned areas would benefit from receiving a yellow fever vaccination.
For those located in New York City and the surrounding boroughs, the Travel Clinic NYC is a highly respected
and professional medical center that is certified to administer the yellow
fever vaccine, as well as many other travel related inoculations.
If international travel is in your near future, log onto get yellow fever vaccine in NYC for much
more information and enjoy your travels safely.
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