It is uncommon in the U.S. for yellow fever to be found in South America and Africa.There is a chance of getting yellow fever from the bite of a mosquito.The illness can be life threatening.There is no cure or treatment for yellow fever, but it is possible to treat the virus.It's your best option to prevent yellow fever.
Step 1: If you should be hospitalized, talk to your doctor.
There are ways to manage your symptoms in order to prevent the condition from getting worse.Symptoms of the virus can be unpleasant and sometimes severe.Talk to your doctor about whether or not you should be hospitalized if you are diagnosed with yellow fever.Hospitals can increase survival rates.For some, the safest idea is to stay in the hospital for observation and supportive care.
Step 2: Gets a lot of rest.
Take care of yourself if you have very mild symptoms.Don't go to work or school until you are well.Stay in bed, rest, and give your body time to recover from the illness.Seek medical care if your symptoms get worse.
Step 3: Stay hydrated
If you are vomiting or have a high temperature, you can become dehydrated.Stay hydrated and replace your fluids when you're sick.Men should drink an average of 13 cups of fluids a day, while women need to drink 9 cups.If you're sick, drink at least that.Your fluids count towards tea, juice, and water.
Step 4: It's a good idea to take a drug to reduce pain.
Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain remedy.As indicated on the bottle, take it to relieve symptoms.If you have severe liver disease, don't take acetaminophen.Aspirin and other anti-inflammatories can increase your risk of bleeding, so do not take them if you have yellow fever.
Step 5: Don't allow more mosquito bites.
You should not get any more mosquito bites for at least 5 days after you get a fever.The risk of mosquitoes picking up the illness and spreading it to others is reduced.
Step 6: Discuss your travel history with your doctor.
Some parts of Central and South America and Africa have yellow fever.If you live in or have traveled to any of the countries listed below, you should alert your doctor.
Step 7: You should check for mosquito bites.
You can't get yellow fever from being around other people who have it.When in an endemic area, think about your exposure to mosquitoes.Check your body for red bug bites if you aren't sure whether you were bitten.Illness usually occurs 3-6 days after being bitten by a mosquito.
Step 8: If you have flu-like symptoms, you should be suspected of yellow fever.
People don't get symptoms from yellowfever.The symptoms of a bad flu are similar to those experienced by those who do.There are a variety of symptoms, including sudden fever, chills, severe headaches, body aches, back pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, and weakness.Sensitivity to light or red eyes, tongue, or face are some of the less common symptoms of yellow fever.It can be deadly if you have high fever, jaundice, and bleeding, as they can cause shock and multiple organ failure.Immediate medical attention is what you should get if you develop severe symptoms.
Step 9: You should visit your doctor for testing.
Symptoms, travel history, a physical exam, and a blood test are some of the things that can be used to determine a diagnosis of yellow fever.If you have traveled to a place with yellow fever, you should see your doctor.It's important that you have an accurate diagnosis so you can get supportive care.
Step 10: Be alert for the reappearance of more serious symptoms.
About 15% of people will progress to more serious symptoms, including possible heart, liver, and kidneys failure.After your initial symptoms improve for several hours a day, this toxic stage usually occurs.If you experience any of the following, you should go to the hospital to be monitored.
Step 11: Get a vaccine.
If you live in or travel to South America or Africa, you should get the yellow fever vaccine.The vaccine can be given to people over 9 months old.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a website where you can find the vaccine at specific centers.The vaccine or booster dose is required in some countries to travel there.The CDC has a travel page.If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or have HIV without symptoms, you should ask your doctor if it's safe for you to get the vaccine.If you're allergic to any part of the vaccine, have HIV or other immune system disorders, or have recently had a transplant, don't get it.
Step 12: It's a good idea to use insect repellent.
Avoid mosquito bites.If you are outside in an area with yellow fever, wear an EPA-registered insect spray on your skin.If you start to get mosquito bites, apply the repellent again.As directed, apply it to the container.For best protection, use a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.Don't put something in your eyes.When you go indoors, wash your skin off with soapy water.It's safe to use bug spray on children.Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under 3 years old.
Step 13: Wear clothes that protect you.
When outside, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks.Permethrin can be sprayed over your clothes to deter mosquitoes from biting.Permethrin can be used over clothes but not directly on your skin.
Step 14: You should protect yourself throughout the day and night.
One type of mosquito that can transmit yellow fever is active during the day, even though many mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn.It's a good idea to wear appropriate clothing when you're outdoors to protect yourself from harmful rays.It is possible to sleep under a mosquito net in an air-conditioned room.