yellow fever prevention Archives | HealthSmartVaccines

Apr 11

A Guide to Yellow Fever & Why You Should Get Vaccinated

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

It’s crucial to research potential medical issues that could arise while traveling outside of the U.S. If you’re going to a location that has ample mosquitoes and a high risk for contracting yellow fever, it’s essential to get vaccines. Below are a few reasons why.

What Is Yellow Fever?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, yellow fever spreads as infected mosquitoes bite humans. Symptoms range from headaches and muscle aches to fevers and chills that occur around three to six days after being bitten. Nearly one-sixth of the people who develop yellow fever become seriously ill and may experience organ failure, shock, or bleeding due to the disease or related complications.

What Are the Risk Factors for Contracting Yellow Fever?

The Mayo Clinic recommends individuals over nine months old who are traveling to countries with a recent history of yellow fever infections should get the vaccine. The CDC notes that Africa and South America present the most cases of yellow fever. Individuals who visit these areas should be vaccinated 10 or more days before leaving for their trip.

At the vaccine appointment you will receive a yellow card, officially called an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, that you should bring along for the duration of your travels as you may need it to enter some countries.

Yellow fever vaccines work for up to 10 years for most people. However, if you plan to return to yellow fever-infected areas after this timeline, it’s wise to talk with your doctor about an additional booster vaccine.

Before leaving the country, visit a physician to learn about any vaccines or medications you should take along. To learn more about the yellow fever or other vaccines contact HealthSmart Vaccines in Chantilly, VA, at (703) 961-0733.

Jun 20

Travel Vaccine Checklist: 3 Immunizations to Get Before You Go Abroad

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

World travel can expose you to different cultures, new environments, and exciting activities. But going abroad can also expose you to a variety of illnesses that don’t pose as much of a risk in the United States. Fortunately, you can avoid bringing home one of these unwanted souvenirs by getting all the necessary travel vaccines from HealthSmartVaccines in Chantilly, VA.

As a travel clinic in Northern Virginia, HealthSmartVaccines specializes in providing immunizations that can keep you protected in another country—and help prevent foreign illnesses from entering the United States. While these immunizations are affordable and quick to receive, this clinic stresses the importance of getting complete coverage for your travels.

That’s why they recommend making sure you ask your provider about:

Routine Vaccinations: Although routine immunizations are commonplace for younger patients, there are also important vaccines for adults, especially adults traveling abroad. Before you travel, review your immunization records to be sure that your immunizations are complete and current. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and influenza are routinely recommended for all travelers and, depending on destinations, yellow fever, polio, rabies and Japanese Encephalitis may be recommended for required. Also, some countries require proof of immunization for meningitis. Take the time to protect yourself against serious, vaccine preventable diseases before you travel.
Required Vaccinations:The travel vaccines you need before heading to a specific part of the world can vary and, in some instances, are required to enter the country. Spending more than a month in Japan and traveling to rural areas may indicate immunization for Japanese Encephalitis. If you’re visiting South America or Africa, you may need to show proof you have had a yellow fever vaccination. To review specific recommendations by travel destination, visit the CDC website for a full list.
Recommended Vaccinations: While some vaccinations are a must for certain locations, other recommendations may fall into a certain gray area. As such, it’s a good idea to speak with a specialist at a travel clinic who can assess your particular situation and what will be necessary. For example, you may find if you’re going to a metropolitan area overseas, you may not need immunizations that are typically required for those exploring less inhabited parts of the country.

Whether you need to update your immunizations, (some have specific time limitations for optimum protection), or require destination specific vaccines, contact HealthSmartVaccines As a highly regarded travel specialty clinic in Chantilly, VA and a 10 minute drive from Dulles International Airport, we will provide you the information and immunizations services to help protect your travel related health. If you have a question about your needs or want to schedule a visit, contact the clinic at (703) 961-0733.

Nov 29

What are the High-Risk Areas for Contracting Yellow Fever?

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

Before you take off on an overseas vacation, it’s important to make sure you’re informed about any potential health or safety hazards you may face during your visit. For example, if you’ve recently booked a tropical getaway, you may need to take precautions to protect yourself against yellow fever. Today, Chantilly, Virginia’s top travel clinic, HealthSmartVaccines, will explain what you need to know about this dangerous disease.

Yellow fever, which is a mosquito-borne illness, is prevalent in tropical and subtropical zones of South America and Africa. Still, an estimated nine in 10 reported cases of the disease occur in Africa, where it is endemic in 34 countries, including Uganda, Angola, and Ghana. Meanwhile, it’s endemic in 13 South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. While there have been no reports of yellow fever in Asia, mosquitoes that could carry the disease do exist there.

More than half the people who contract yellow fever will die from it. Since this disease has no known cure, doctors recommend the yellow fever vaccination as the most effective and responsible mode of prevention. It’s safe, affordable, and provides lifelong immunity against the disease. If you’re heading to South America, Africa, or even Asia, obtain your yellow fever vaccination beforehand, just in case. That way, you can enjoy a fun, stress-free, and healthy vacation.

To ensure you stay safe on your next trip, make sure you’re up to date on all your travel vaccinations. For more information about staying protected, call the experts from HealthSmartVaccines today at (703) 961-0733.

Jul 29

What Is Yellow Fever? HealthSmartVaccines Explains

Posted by HealthSmartVaccines

When you’re traveling abroad, especially to tropical climates like Africa and South America, protection against infectious diseases like yellow fever is vital. Fortunately, Chantilly, Virginia-based HealthSmartVaccines has you covered with a yellow fever vaccination. This CDC-approved yellow fever center shares expert advice on guarding yourself against this potentially fatal disease.

What Is Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is viral infectious disease transmitted from infected mosquitoes to humans. Yellow fever gets its “yellow” nickname from causing hepatitis and jaundice. Vaccines are the best defense against yellow fever.

Where Did Yellow Fever Originate?

The history of yellow fever can be traced back to 17th-century Africa. It spread to the Americas from ship to shore, where outbreaks continued to occur until the first vaccination was developed in the 1930s.

Which Areas Are High Risk For Yellow Fever?

Yellow fever is found primarily in the tropical climates of Africa and South America.The vast majority of people infected with yellow fever in these areas are not vaccinated, which underscores the importance of receiving vaccines before you travel.

How Does Yellow Fever Spread?

Yellow fever is a virus that’s transmitted from infected mosquitoes to humans. Travelers can effectively prevent contracting yellow fever with a vaccination.

What Are The Symptoms Of Yellow Fever?

Early symptoms are flu-like and therefore hard to attribute to yellow fever. However, as the disease progresses, more serious symptoms develop, including abdominal pain, jaundice, bleeding problems, kidney failure, and seizures.

Can Yellow Fever Be Prevented?

In most cases, yes. Yellow fever can be prevented with vaccines. This provides immunity for a decade or more after a single dose, with a booster vaccination recommended every 10 years.

If a trip to Africa or South America is in your plans, protect yourself with a travel vaccination. Visit the HealthSmartVaccines.com for a full list of services, then call (703) 961-0733 to make an appointment today.

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