The main types of reactions that the yellow fever vaccine can cause include fever, local pain, Headache and muscle aches. However, the vaccine against yellow fever is safe, effective and its side effects are usually mild.
Some reactions, such as pain, redness, hardening and local swelling, are not related to the vaccine itself, but to the injection. These signs and symptoms usually appear between 24 hours and 48 hours after the application and usually last for 1 to 2 days.
Light reactions
The vaccine itself may cause mild or severe reactions. The mild side effects of the yellow fever vaccine usually appear after 3 days of application and can last up to 3 days. Among them are: pain, redness and swelling in the area, headache, fever, malaise, pain and muscle weakness.
Serious reactions
Allergic reactions are among the most serious adverse effects of the yellow fever vaccine. The onset of the reaction is rapid. The signs and symptoms in these cases begin to manifest in the first two hours after the injection, and may include: hives, difficulty breathing and bumps.
The occurrence of anaphylactic shock is quite rare, since the risk is 1 case for every 5,000,000 people who receive the vaccine. In this type of reaction, neurological diseases, acute organ failure and even sudden death can occur. Symptoms in these situations begin to appear within 10 days after application of the vaccine.
Signs and symptoms of yellow fever
Since the vaccine is produced with the yellow fever virus itself, some people may develop the disease. In cases where the person develops his own yellow fever as a result of the vaccine, the reactions are the very signs and symptoms of the disease, which may include: fever, headache, severe fatigue, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
As the disease progresses, the patient may have jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), liver and kidney problems, reduction in platelet count, decrease in blood pressure, bleeding, respiratory failure, general destruction of muscles and narrowing of blood vessels.
Neurological diseases
The occurrence of neurological diseases resulting from the yellow fever vaccine is very rare, with about 1 case in every 25,000,000 people vaccinated. The reactions in these cases may manifest themselves in the form of headache, fever, changes in consciousness, meningitis, muscle paralysis, seizures, changes in motor coordination, encephalitis (inflammation in the brain) and sudden death.
Warning Signs
If the person has the following signs and symptoms within 30 days after taking the yellow fever vaccine, they should be taken to an emergency department as soon as possible:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes);
- Bleeding;
- Darkening of urine;
- Reduced urine volume;
- Vomiting;
- Alterations of consciousness;
- Abdominal pain.
It is worth remembering that vaccination against yellow fever is important and necessary as it protects against a disease that can be fatal. However, there are risk groups that may not always receive the vaccine or need special attention, so it is important to follow the guidelines of health professionals.
Learn more at:
When should I take the yellow fever vaccine?
What is the treatment for yellow fever?
