What should you know about yellow fever is also known as?

Yellow fever is the name of a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes. Terms such as jab, injection, inoculation, and vaccination usually refer to the preventive vaccine, rather than the illness itself. The word yellow in the name relates to jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes that can occur with illness. It does not mean every person with yellow fever develops jaundice.

When arranging travel advice, say whether you are asking about the disease, the vaccine, a vaccination certificate, or a symptom after travel. Give the provider your full itinerary, including stopovers, and explain any previous vaccine doses. If you develop fever or feel unwell after returning from a region with mosquito-borne infections, seek medical assessment and mention where you travelled.

Seek urgent medical care for fever with severe headache, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, yellowing of the eyes or skin, severe abdominal pain, confusion, or pronounced weakness after relevant travel. These signs can occur with several illnesses and need assessment; they do not establish a diagnosis by themselves. Emergency care is also appropriate for breathing problems or facial swelling after vaccination.

Ask if you need a yellow fever vaccine for your route, whether a certificate is needed, and which symptoms after travel should prompt assessment. If a record uses unfamiliar wording, ask the clinician to confirm whether it documents a yellow fever vaccination and when it was given.