If you are planning on going on a journey to an exotic destination, it can be such a memorable time. Maybe you’re planning on visiting an exotic country or you’re simply looking to explore the tropical rainforests in another land. No matter where it is that you’re traveling to, our Yellow fever vaccine in Edinburgh service will ensure that you stay secure and protected on your trip.

We will use this article to discuss all the important things that you need to know about travel medicines, as well as travel vaccinations and their importance. You will also get to find out how they operate and the steps you can take to get yourself protected. After going through this article, if you have any further inquiries, feel free to contact our Yellow fever vaccine in Edinburgh team and we will be pleased to help you with any questions that you have.

The Importance of Travel Vaccines

– Risk of Disease: If you are traveling to an exotic destination, you may be at risk for a myriad of diseases your body is not prepared to fight. As a preventative measure, it’s important to receive the appropriate vaccinations. A vaccine contains the microorganism in its weakest form that is then injected into your body. Your immune system produces antibodies to fight off the organism in the event you come in contact with the disease again.

– Returning Home: Some vaccines, such as the yellow fever vaccine, are required before you can enter a country. This is due to the high risk of exposure for such diseases, in which they can be transmitted through a mosquito bite and passed along once the host is infected.

– Save Money on Healthcare: If you opt to go on your trip without getting the recommended vaccinations and contract an illness, you could end up spending a fortune on hospitalization and medical care. While vaccinations do cost money, they’re only a fraction of the cost of emergency healthcare.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is an infection in humans caused by the yellow fever virus. Yellow fever occurs in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America. Infections have increased in recent years as humans are in greater contact with infected mosquitoes.

This infection does not naturally occur in Australia but the mosquitoes capable of transmitting the virus it is present in North Queensland so there is the potential for local transmission from returned travelers who are infected. Strict quarantine measures are in place at Australia’s border to ensure that this does not occur.

Yellow fever symptoms

Symptoms occur in two stages. The initial symptoms develop three to six days after infection, and can include:

– a high temperature (fever)

– a headache

– nausea or vomiting

– muscle pain, including backache

– loss of appetite

This stage will usually pass after three to four days and most people will make a full recovery. However, around 15% of people go on to develop more serious problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), kidney failure, and bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, or stomach (causing blood in your vomit and stools). Up to half of those who experience these symptoms will die.

How do vaccines work?

Vaccines work by imitating an infection or disease and stimulating the immune system to develop antibodies. Antibodies are the body’s way of protecting us against disease or infections. The antibodies produced by vaccines fight disease without actually infecting us with the disease. If a vaccinated person comes into contact with the disease, their immune system will recognize it and immediately produce the antibodies they need to fight it.

We recommend that you get your vaccine at least 21 days or more before making your trip to make sure that you give your body adequate time to develop the necessary amount of antibodies that will protect you maximally. Some vaccines can last for some years while some can be active throughout your life.

The type of travel vaccine that you need will depend on what part of the world you’re traveling to, where you plan on staying, and your activities there. If you really wish to know what vaccines and antimalarials are required for each country, check out the fit for travel website of the NHS. When getting vaccinated, endeavor to carry out thorough checks with an expert to ensure that you’re getting a vaccine that is really needed. Our Yellow fever vaccine pharmacist always double-checks but you can do this yourself too.