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Yellow fever - Treatment
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Specific treatment for yellow fever has not been developed. The use of blood serum from people who have recovered from the disease and naturally immunized monkeys has proven ineffective. All treatment for yellow fever is limited to the use of pathogenetic drugs.
In mild and moderate forms of yellow fever, strict bed rest, careful care, a gentle diet, and plenty of fluids are prescribed; various chemotherapy drugs are prescribed as indicated. Patients with severe forms of the disease undergo intensive treatment for yellow fever. Cardiotropic drugs, blood transfusions, and blood-substituting fluids are prescribed. In case of kidney damage, hemodialysis is indicated. Recommendations for the use of heparin and corticosteroids are based only on theoretical data: no controlled studies have been conducted.
Approximate periods of incapacity for work
Determined based on the severity of the disease and the presence of complications. The period of incapacity ranges from 1 month (with moderate disease) to 12 months (with severe disease and complications).
Clinical examination
The period of dispensary observation is determined based on the severity of the disease: for a mild form it is 3 months, for moderate and severe - 12 months. One month after discharge, the first examination is carried out in the hospital or KIZ. Persons with identified disorders or deterioration are recommended to be hospitalized again.
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What should the patient know?
After discharge from the hospital, patients must follow a diet for 6 months (the same as for viral hepatitis). It is necessary to limit physical activity for 3-6 months. The doctor determines the recommendations individually depending on the severity of the disease and the presence of complications.
What is the prognosis for yellow fever?
Yellow fever has a favorable prognosis in mild and moderate forms of the disease. In severe forms, the mortality rate reaches 25%. Even in severe forms, recovery occurs after the 12th day of the disease. Elderly people tolerate the disease poorly. The lowest mortality rate is among children. Even during severe epidemics, it does not exceed 3-5%.