Harrow Health Care Centre is urging travellers to consider the dangers of unvaccinated travel when visiting countries with a high level of risk of Yellow Fever.
According to the latest information from the World Health Organisation, there are over 40 countries worldwide that carry a risk of developing the disease, with the majority of those situated in Africa and South America. Some of these countries require proof of vaccination before entry is permitted.
Yellow fever is caused by the bite of infected mosquitos and Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Whilst symptoms of many that contract the disease will disappear after 3 to 4 days, a small percentage of patients enter into a serious toxic phase of the illness which brings extreme jaundice, severe vomiting and bleeding can occur from the mouth, nose, eyes or stomach. Half of those patients who enter the toxic phase die within 7-10 days.
However, the disease can be easily prevented by a single dose of a vaccine which provides lifetime immunity.
As a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre we are authorised by the National Travel Health Network & Centre (NaTHNaC) to administer the yellow fever vaccine.
The vaccination is recommended to anyone over the age of nine months of age who is likely to be visiting an affected country and the vaccination must be administered at least ten days before travel.
Remember it is important to disclose full medical history as part of your travel health consultation as the vaccine can be contraindicated by underlying medical conditions, so it is important that medical personnel are aware of any factors that could affect the vaccine.
You can find out more information about yellow fever at https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/.
Our travel clinic consultations will provide you with a full range of advice and vaccinations for your trip. Find out more at https://harrowhealthcare.co.uk/our-services/travel-clinic/
