Pediatric Yellow Fever Medication
- Author: David J Cennimo, MD, FACP, FAAP, AAHIVS; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD more...
Medication Summary
No specific medication is indicated in the treatment of yellow fever (YF). Medication selection is based on the control of symptoms, secondary infections, and organ failure. Antipyretics may have limited use if no hepatic or renal compromise is noted.
In addition, comorbid conditions may occur that require medication, and the risks and benefits of such medications must be considered before they are continued during the acute phase of illness.
Analgesic and antipyretic agents
Class Summary
Antipyretics should be used only with caution, if at all, because of their metabolic effects on the liver and kidney. Do not use acetaminophen in the presence of hepatic compromise. Do not use ibuprofen in the presence of hepatic or renal compromise.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Feverall, Triaminic Children's Fever, Mapap)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Neoprofen)
Ibuprofen is the drug of choice for mild-to-moderate pain; it is also used to reduce fever. It inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.
Vaccines, Live, Viral
Class Summary
Active immunization increases resistance to infection. Vaccines consist of microorganisms or cellular components, which act as antigens. Administration of the vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies with specific protective properties.
Yellow fever vaccine (YF-Vax)
The YF vaccine is a live attenuated virus preparation prepared by culturing 17D-strain YF virus in living chick embryo. Immunity may start 7-10 days after vaccination. The World Health Organization (WHO) requires revaccination every 10 years to maintain travelers' vaccination certificates; in the United States, these which are valid for 10 years, beginning 10 days after initial vaccination or revaccination.
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