20 to 50% of the people who experience yellow fever result in death with the overwhelming complications it brings the body. Severe yellow fever may result in organ damage and it may take months before the patient fully recovers from the disease.
What Can You Do About It?
Yellow fever is a highly preventable disease but there is currently no known cure. The treatment given to patients addresses symptoms and helps the body throughout the infection.
Painkillers are given to relieve muscle pain. Rehydration is also needed as patients experience fluid loss because of the disease. Consult your doctor if the signs and symptoms are present in your case.
The yellow fever virus can be prevented through vaccination and mosquito protection. When traveling to the specific regions where the virus is present, make sure to get vaccinated as it provides at least 10 years of protection. Make sure to discuss with your doctor about vaccination for children, pregnant women, and the elderly before travelling to those areas.
Mosquito repellant is also useful to prevent mosquito bites. It gives protection to your body if used properly. Make sure to dress appropriately to lessen your exposure, and minimize travel to mosquito-infested areas.
Key Takeaway
Yellow fever is not as pervasive in Asia or in the Philippines, but it is good to learn about it. It spreads through mosquito bites and can cause serious medical complications.
Its name comes from the yellowish skin and eye color that affects the patients. Vaccination is the best preventive measure for the yellow fever virus as there is no known cure at the moment. It is also good to equip yourself with mosquito repellant should you travel to Africa and South America to keep yourself safe from this disease.
Learn about Infections from Insects here.
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