{"id":5340,"date":"2019-04-19T04:51:17","date_gmt":"2019-04-19T04:51:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5340"},"modified":"2021-03-31T15:52:34","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T15:52:34","slug":"14-ways-to-prevent-getting-yellow-fever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-ways-to-prevent-getting-yellow-fever\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Ways to Prevent Getting Yellow Fever"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Yellow fever is a virus carried by mosquitoes. After infection, the virus incubates for a period of two weeks before manifesting symptoms. In its initial stages, the signs are remarkably similar to those of the flu \u2013 headache, fever, chills, and muscle ache. Infection typically requires hospitalization of the infected person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yellow fever infection falls into two categories \u2013 acute and toxic. Most cases involve acute symptoms which fade in less than a week as the immune system eradicates the virus cells from your body. A small percentage of those infected will reach the toxic stage of the disease \u2013 which has life-threatening consequences in 50-percent of all infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, yellow fever is a preventable disease, and there are steps you can take to improve your chances of avoiding infection. If you\u2019re traveling to a high-risk area for the disease, read through these eight prevention strategies to ensure you don\u2019t become a victim of yellow fever infection.
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1. Get Vaccinated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re traveling to Africa or South America \u2013 check with the website of the local authority for admission requirements into the country. Many governments require to receive a vaccination before you arrive on their soil. Should you fail to get vaccinated, they may send you home upon your arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The yellow fever <\/a>vaccine is the best way to prevent infection with the virus. You\u2019ll need to consult with your doctor six to eight weeks before your departure date. It takes some time for the body to get over the effects of the vaccine, and to build immunity against the virus \u2013 so, don\u2019t leave it to the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The yellow fever vaccine is not for everyone. Certain individuals may develop adverse responses to the vaccination \u2013 such as a severe allergic reaction. Pregnant women or mother breastfeeding children are exclusions to immunization. Check with your doctor to see if you are eligible for the treatment.
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2. Use Insect Repellant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t receive the vaccination to yellow fever due to health issues, then it’s best that you take a proactive approach in preventing infection. Insect repellant <\/a>is an effective means of avoiding mosquito bites. However, you\u2019ll want to stock up on a six-pack of cans before your trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local businesses in poverty-stricken countries and continents, such as Africa, realize that tourists will pay anything to keep mosquitos out of their life during their trip. As a result, they increase the markup on their insect repellant products.  You could end up paying ten times what you would for the repellant back home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you choose to travel with insect repellant, make sure that you select the cream type \u2013 not the aerosol version. Aerosol cans are not allowed on airplanes, and you\u2019ll have to remove it from your luggage in the airport \u2013 wasting your money. Douse yourself in insect repellant throughout the day, early morning and evening.
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3. Tips for Protecting Children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Traveling with children is difficult \u2013 but it\u2019s even more challenging when you\u2019re visiting a hot zone for yellow fever infection. Make sure that you do not use insect repellant on infants <\/a>younger than 3-months old, as they are at risk of developing toxicity from the product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for applying the product, and avoid contact with the soft skin around the eyes. Never use insect repellent on inflamed or broken skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cover strollers with a mosquito net, and do the same for their crib or bed at night. Make sure you dress your baby in light, protective clothing that covers their arms and legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are using an aerosol product, spray it on your hands first, then apply it to your child\u2019s face to avoids getting it in their eyes and mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you notice any mosquito bites on your children, make a note of the day and date to inform your medical practitioner if the child starts to develop symptoms of yellow fever.
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4. Dress Properly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before you pack your bags, soak all of your clothing and mosquito <\/a>nets in insect repellant. Permethrin is an insecticide designed to kill mosquitos and keep them away from your area. Clothing and gear treated with permethrin keep the protective coating for a few washes, making it ideal for travelers to high-risk zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning before the heat of the day drives them to cooler locations to wait for the evening. They also come out in force during the evenings as well. During these times of day, it’s best to dress in clothing that offers protection. Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your arms and legs from bites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, you won\u2019t find mosquitoes flying around the beach, so it\u2019s safe to wear your swimming costume. However, make sure you change into your protective clothing after you leave the sun, sand, and waves, and return to your hotel.
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5. Book Hotels with Air-Conditioning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When planning your itinerary, make sure you choose hotels that provide air-conditioning and screens for the doors. At the very least, they should offer you a mosquito net. Mosquitoes can\u2019t thrive in a closed environment, so selecting a hotel with air-con reduces your risk of mosquito bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to avoid booking hotels near large lakes or ponds. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant and still water<\/a>, such as old swimming pools that are no longer working. If you book your room next to a non-functional water feature, you can expect thousands of mosquitoes to greet you on your return to your accommodation in the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re staying in less than stellar accommodations \u2013 such as a backpackers or traveler lodge, take a walk around the property and overturn anything collecting water \u2013 such as old tires. Make sure that you keep the door to your room closed at all times to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
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6. Spray the Toilet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re staying in a backpacker\u2019s commune with shared bathroom facilities, then it’s best to purchase some insecticide spray from the local convenience store. Mosquitoes love to cling to the underside of the toilet bowl, possibly because they are attracted to the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you sit down on the toilet, they fly up and attack your legs. Failing to check for mosquitoes before you use the bathroom can result in a couple of mosquito bites at one time \u2013 increasing your chances of infection with the yellow fever virus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the can of insecticide <\/a>to the toilet with you in the morning, and spray the underside of the bathroom and surrounding areas. Vacate the room and wait for the pesticide to clear, it should only take a few minutes. Now you can safely use the toilet without worrying about mosquitoes biting your ankles and legs. Repeat this in the evening as well to ensure your safety.
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7. Drink Tonic Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing wrong with enjoying that third gin and tonic \u2013 after all; you\u2019re on vacation, aren\u2019t you? Enjoying a sunset across the plains of Africa or the Andes mountains is an excellent opportunity for a sundowner drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make yourself a gin and tonic \u2013 or a vodka and tonic \u2013 or drink the tonic neat if you don\u2019t drink alcohol. Tonic water contains \u201cquinine,\u201d the compound that gives the water its bitter taste. Fortunately, quinine is also a natural treatment and preventative substance for malaria <\/a>infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mosquitoes despise the smell and taste of quinine. If you drink three cans of tonic water every day on your trip, the chances are that you\u2019ll never experience a single bite on your travels. As soon as a mosquito lands on your skin, they\u2019ll fly away due to the strong scent of quinine coming from your skin. Tonic water is a cheap and efficient method of preventing mosquito bites.
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8. Burn a Eucalyptus Citronella Candle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re out in the warm evening air at your international destination \u2013 light a eucalyptus and citronella <\/a>candle to keep the mosquitos at bay. These candles are a cost-effective way of eradicating mosquitoes from your campsite or balcony. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The candles feature a unique formulation of ingredients that mosquitoes find toxic. If it\u2019s a windy evening, you don\u2019t need to light the candle, as the mosquitoes will be swept away with the gusts. However, on a still night, a eucalyptus and citronella candle provides ample protection for a 10-foot radius around the flame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in a large area, place three candles in strategic points around the patio or balcony to provide you with a bubble of protection from the biting insects carrying yellow fever. Citronella and eucalyptus have a pleasant, lemony smell, that spells death to any mosquito. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using all of the tips in this article, your trip to a yellow fever hotspot will be a pleasure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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