How to Prevent Yellow Fever When You're Traveling

Yellow fever is a mosquito-spread virus that occurs in Africa and South America. Symptoms appear three to six days after exposure and include headache, vomiting, fever and jaundice. Get immunized before you travel to these countries.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yellow Fever Vaccine
• Protective Clothing
• Protective Clothing
• Mosquito Netting
• Insect Repellents

1. Get a vaccine to prevent yellow fever. The virus is made from 17D yellow fever virus strain and grown inside chick embryos. The vaccine is effective against yellow fever for 10 years; then you will need a booster vaccine.

2. Carry a Certificate of Vaccination, issued by your health department, with you whenever you travel to South America and Africa. Many countries in these regions will not permit you to enter without a vaccination certificate or a medical waiver.

3. Obtain a written medical waiver from your embassy officials if you or your child cannot be vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that children younger than four months old should not be vaccinated against yellow fever, and in fact, it is best to defer the vaccine until the baby is 9 to 12 months old.

4. Defer a yellow fever vaccination if you are pregnant. There is some concern that a fetus could contract yellow fever from the vaccine. Defer it if you are allergic to eggs or have an illness, such as AIDS, that has suppressed or compromised your immune system.

5. Avoid mosquitoes when you are in countries where yellow fever is present. Wear insect repellent and protective clothing - long sleeves and long pants.

6. Use mosquito netting around tents and open doorways to keep mosquitoes from flying inside.

Tips & Warnings

• Yellow fever rarely occurs in travelers, since almost everyone receives the yellow fever vaccine before entering the South American and African countries.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.