What are the symptoms of yellow fever? How do you get it? How do you treat it? Is it deadly? Find out all the answers right away!
Yellow fever is a serious, life-threatening illness caused by the bite of certain mosquitoes. This disease is characterized by the presence of high fever and jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is why this disease has the name yellow fever.
It is a viral disease, although the virus that causes it is endemic to the tropical areas of Africa, Central America and South America. Sometimes, some travelers can import it to other areas. That is why it is important to find out about the necessary vaccinations before traveling to any of these areas.
Mosquitoes of the genera Aedes and Haemogogus transmit this fever. Some species are in forests, but others are in inhabited populations. In tropical rainforests, monkeys are the main reservoir of the disease.
What are the symptoms of yellow fever?
Yellow fever develops rapidly, and symptoms appear three to six days after exposure. The initial symptoms of the infection are similar to those of the influenza virus, and mainly include headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, as well as a cold.
Acute phase
This phase generally lasts three to four days. Common symptoms are:
- Fever.
- Shaking chills.
- Headache.
- Redness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Muscle and joint pain.
Once the acute phase ends, the symptoms will begin to disappear. Many people recover from yellow fever at this stage, but others will develop a more serious version of this condition.
Toxic phase
The symptoms you experienced in the acute phase may go away for 24 hours. Then those symptoms will return, along with new and more severe ones. These include:
- Vomiting (sometimes bloody).
- Heart rhythm disturbances.
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth, and eyes.
- Decreased urination.
- Abdominal pain.
- Seizures.
- Delirium.
This phase of the disease is often fatal, but only 15% of people with yellow fever progress to this phase.
Treatment
There is no specific cure for yellow fever. Treatment involves managing symptoms and helping the immune system fight infection by:
- Get oxygen.
- Receive blood transfusions.
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure.
- Have dialysis if you experience kidney failure.
- Hydration (intravenous route in severe cases).
- Receive treatment for other infections that may develop.
Alternative treatments
Although treating yellow fever with home remedies does not help cure it, these can be useful for symptomatic treatment. This can make you feel physically better and will give the body the functionality to work with the antibiotics and clear the infection.
It is very important to notify your doctor of any supplement you want to take, as it can interfere with other medications or conditions you have. Check with your doctor beforehand if it is safe to take it.
Salt and lemon
A person with yellow fever becomes dehydrated due to vomiting. Yellow fever can dehydrate the body and make you feel sick and tired. Take a glass of water and add the juice of a lemon. Add a pinch of salt, mix well, and drink this solution whenever you feel sick and dehydrated.
This remedy may help reduce nausea and other symptoms of yellow fever such as vomiting.
Basil
Basil leaves are beneficial against the symptoms of this disease. Take half a liter of distilled water and add some basil leaves. Bring it to a boil. Basil is known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it will also bring a feeling of relief.
Garlic cloves
Garlic is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It plays an active role in strengthening the immune system and also in protecting the body from other viral and bacterial infections.
Take three to five garlic cloves and crush them. They should be consumed in the morning. This treatment has proven to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of this disease.
Coconut water
In case of yellow fever, it is essential to keep the body hydrated and supply the essential nutrients that are required. Coconut water is an effective home remedy to cure dehydration. Coconut water helps provide the body with the nutrients it needs.
Barley water
Barley is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B5, B9 and vitamin E. It also has a good amount of copper which can help reduce inflammation and high body temperature in yellow fever patient. It helps to restore the electrolyte and fluid balance in the body, which is helpful for a patient suffering from yellow fever.
One way to treat yellow fever is to boil pearl barley in about two liters of water and simmer it for about two hours. It is recommended to consume barley water three times a day to reduce yellow fever and its symptoms.
What’s the outlook for people with yellow fever?
The WHO estimates that 50% of people who develop severe symptoms of this condition could have a poor prognosis. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for serious complications.
How to prevent it?
Vaccination is the only way to prevent yellow fever. The yellow fever vaccine is given at one time. It contains a live, weakened version of the virus that helps your body build immunity.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that anyone between the ages of 9 months and 59 years who travels or lives in an area where there is a risk of yellow fever should get vaccinated. The following people should not be vaccinated:
- Babies under 6 months of age.
- People who have severe allergies to eggs, chicken proteins, or gelatin.
- People who have HIV, AIDS, or other conditions that compromise the immune system.
- If you are over 60 and are considering traveling to an area that may have the virus, you should discuss vaccination with your doctor.
If you are traveling with a 6- to 8-month-old baby or are a nursing mother, travel to these areas should be postponed if possible or talk to your doctor about vaccination.
The vaccine is safe. A single dose provides protection for at least 10 years. Side effects of the vaccine can include a mild headache, muscle aches, low-grade fever, and given all of the above, fatigue.
Other prevention methods include the use of insect repellent and the use of appropriate clothing to reduce the number of mosquito bites.
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