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Dengue Vaccine Service - Qdenga
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OnlineChemist Travel Clinic
82 Middleton Road
Gorleston, Great Yarmouth
Norfolk NR31 7AH
Tel: 01493 600610
What is dengue
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, primarily by the Aedes species. It is endemic in over 100 countries worldwide, affecting millions annually. While dengue typically results in a mild illness, it can sometimes lead to severe symptoms and hospitalization. Notably, there is no specific treatment for dengue, making prevention crucial.
Approximately 4.6 million UK travelers visit dengue-endemic regions each year, including parts of North and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. In recent years, European travelers have also contracted dengue while visiting these areas.
Types of Dengue
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which has four different types known as serotypes: Dengue -1, Dengue -2, Dengue -3, and Dengue -4. Here’s a simple explanation:
- Dengue -1: This type often appears when dengue first enters a new area. It spreads quickly and can cause large outbreaks.
- Dengue -2: This type is more likely to cause severe illness, including serious conditions like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
- Dengue -3: Known for causing intense and widespread outbreaks. It can lead to severe disease in some cases.
- Dengue -4: Usually associated with milder disease but can still contribute to major outbreaks.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever and When to Expect Them
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness with symptoms that usually appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Here are the key symptoms and the timeline for when they typically occur:
Common Symptoms:
- High Fever: Sudden onset of high fever, which can reach up to 40°C (104°F).
- Severe Headache: Intense pain, especially behind the eyes.
- Muscle and Joint Pain: Often referred to as “breakbone fever” due to the severe pain.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms can be quite severe.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness.
- Skin Rash: A rash may appear a few days after the fever starts, often spreading from the chest and back to the rest of the body.
- Mild Bleeding: Such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising.
Severe Symptoms:
In some cases, dengue can progress to more severe forms, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which require immediate medical attention.
- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF): Includes symptoms like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, and blood in vomit or stool.
- Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS): Severe form with symptoms including a rapid drop in blood pressure, severe bleeding, and organ failure.
When to Expect Symptoms:
- Incubation Period: Symptoms usually start 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
- Duration: The acute phase of the illness typically lasts 2 to 7 days. Severe symptoms, if they occur, often appear after the initial fever subsides.
Areas with Risk of Dengue
Dengue is endemic in many parts of the world, including:
Africa:
- Countries like Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Tanzania experience frequent cases of dengue (CDC.gov).
Americas:
- High-risk areas include Brazil, Mexico, and several Caribbean nations such as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Sporadic cases have also been reported in regions like Argentina and Chile (CDC.gov) (ECDC).
Asia:
- Dengue is common in countries like Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Sporadic cases can also be found in places like Japan and China (CDC.gov) (ECDC).
Europe:
- While less common, dengue has been reported in parts of France, Croatia, and the Madeira Islands in Portugal (CDC.gov).
Oceania and Pacific Islands:
- Countries including Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands frequently report dengue cases (CDC.gov).
How Dengue Spreads
Dengue viruses are primarily spread to humans through bites from infected Aedes species mosquitoes. An infected pregnant person can transmit the virus to their fetus. Rarely, dengue can spread through other routes.
Through Mosquito Bites
- Primary Transmission: Dengue viruses are transmitted to people through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which also spread Zika and chikungunya viruses.
- Breeding Sites: These mosquitoes lay eggs in containers holding water, such as buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flowerpots, and vases.
- Behavior: Aedes mosquitoes prefer to bite humans and live both indoors and outdoors, usually near people. They can bite during the day and night.
- Infection Cycle: Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the dengue virus. These mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through their bites.
From Pregnant Person to Fetus
- Transmission During Pregnancy: A person infected with the dengue virus during pregnancy can pass the virus to their fetus. This can occur during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
- Potential Effects: Dengue can lead to serious consequences, including fetal death, low birth weight, and premature birth.
Through Other Routes
- Breast Milk: Dengue virus has been detected in breast milk. However, due to the benefits of breastfeeding, it is generally recommended that breastfeeding continue even if a dengue infection is suspected.
- Medical Settings: Dengue is rarely spread through laboratory or healthcare exposures, such as blood transfusions, organ transplants, or needlestick injuries.
- Sexual Contact: Some evidence suggests that dengue can be transmitted through sexual contact, although this is very uncommon.
Dengue Prevention
Preventing dengue involves reducing exposure to mosquito bites and controlling mosquito populations. Here are key strategies to help prevent dengue:
Personal Protection
- Use Insect Repellents: Apply repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Follow product instructions for safe and effective use.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes, especially during peak mosquito activity times (early morning and late afternoon).
- Use Mosquito Nets: Sleep under mosquito nets, especially in areas without air conditioning or screens on windows and doors.
- Stay Indoors: Remain indoors during peak mosquito activity periods. If possible, stay in places with air conditioning and well-screened windows and doors.
Environmental Control
- Eliminate Standing Water: Remove sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, such as in buckets, flowerpots, old tires, and birdbaths. Change the water in pet dishes and vases regularly.
- Cover Water Containers: Use tight-fitting lids on water storage containers to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
- Clean Gutters: Ensure that gutters are not clogged and can drain properly to avoid standing water.
- Use Mosquito Larvicides: In areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed, use larvicides to kill mosquito larvae.
Community Measures
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Participate in and support community efforts to educate the public about dengue prevention and mosquito control.
- Local Mosquito Control Programs: Support and cooperate with local authorities in implementing mosquito control programs, including insecticide spraying and community clean-up initiatives.
Vaccination
- Get Vaccinated: The Qdenga vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 4 years and older who live in or travel to dengue-endemic areas. The vaccine helps protect against all four dengue virus serotypes (World Health Organization (WHO).
- Consult Healthcare Providers: Discuss vaccination options with healthcare providers, especially if planning to travel to high-risk areas.
By combining personal protective measures, environmental control, community involvement, and vaccination, the risk of dengue infection can be significantly reduced. For more detailed information, you can refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and NHS recommendations.
Dengue Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know
Qdenga is a dengue vaccine designed to protect against all four serotypes of the dengue virus. It is administered in two doses, given three months apart. This vaccine is suitable for individuals aged 4 years and older and can be used in people who have never had dengue before.
Who Should Get a Dengue Vaccine?
The Qdenga dengue vaccine is recommended for specific groups of people to help protect against dengue fever, particularly for those who are at higher risk of exposure. Here are the key groups who should consider getting the dengue vaccine:
Travellers to Endemic Areas: The vaccine is particularly recommended for UK travellers visiting regions where dengue is endemic, such as parts of South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Nearly 4.6 million UK residents travel to these regions annually, making vaccination an important preventive measure.
People Aged 4 Years and Older: Qdenga has been approved for use in individuals from four years of age and older. This includes children, adolescents, and adults who are likely to be exposed to dengue through travel or living in endemic areas.
Individuals Without Previous Dengue Infection: While the vaccine can be beneficial for those who have had dengue before, it is also suitable for people with no history of previous dengue infection. This broadens the scope of protection for a larger population, including first-time travelers to dengue-prone areas.
Special Cases: In certain situations, the vaccine may be recommended for people who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from dengue infection, including those with specific health conditions or occupations that increase their exposure to the virus.
Benefits and Considerations
The Qdenga vaccine offers a significant level of protection against all four serotypes of the dengue virus. It’s designed to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to dengue fever. However, it is not a substitute for other preventive measures, such as avoiding mosquito bites through the use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and staying in accommodations with proper mosquito control measures.
Where to Get Vaccinated
The dengue vaccine (Qdenga) is available at Online Chemist Travel Clinics in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. We are proud members of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM), ensuring high standards in travel health care.
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Who Should Not Get a Dengue Vaccine?
While the Qdenga dengue vaccine offers protection for many, certain individuals should avoid receiving this vaccine due to safety concerns and specific health conditions. Here are the key groups who should not get the dengue vaccine:
Pregnant Women: The Qdenga vaccine is contraindicated for use during pregnancy due to limited data on its safety and potential effects on the fetus (Travel Health Pro).
Individuals with Severe Allergies: People who have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine or after a previous dose should not receive Qdenga.
Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems, whether due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or medications that suppress the immune system (such as high-dose corticosteroids), should avoid the vaccine. This is because Qdenga is a live-attenuated vaccine, which poses a risk of causing the disease in these individuals (Pharmaceutical Technology).
Children Under Four Years Old: The vaccine is not approved for use in children younger than four years old. The safety and efficacy data for this age group are insufficient.
People Over 60 Years Old: Currently, there is insufficient data on the safety and efficacy of Qdenga in individuals over 60. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid vaccination in this age group until more information is available (Travel Health Pro).
Individuals with Acute Illness: Anyone suffering from a moderate or severe illness, especially if accompanied by fever, should postpone getting the vaccine until they have recovered. This helps to avoid confounding the diagnosis of any illness with potential vaccine side effects.
Side Effects of the Qdenga Vaccine
The Qdenga vaccine, designed to protect against dengue, generally has mild side effects. Common reactions include:
- Pain and Redness: At the injection site.
- Headache: Mild to moderate in severity.
- Muscle Pain: Often occurs shortly after vaccination.
- General Unwell Feeling: Temporary and mild.
- Weakness and Fatigue: Typically short-lived.
- Fever: Up to 1 in 10 people might experience a slight fever.
Most side effects are mild to moderate and usually resolve within a few days. They are less frequent after the second dose compared to the first dose (European Medicines Agency).
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions. The vaccine is contraindicated for individuals who have had a hypersensitivity reaction to a previous dose, those with weakened immune systems due to illness or medication, and pregnant or breastfeeding women (European Medicines Agency).
Where Can I Get Qdenga Vaccine?
You can receive the Qdenga vaccine at various travel clinics, including the Online Chemist Travel Clinic, which is a proud member of the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM). For convenience, you can schedule an appointment to discuss your travel plans and get vaccinated. We are based in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 7AH.
For more information or to book your vaccination, visit Online Chemist Travel Clinic.
How Many Doses of the Qdenga Vaccine Do You Need?
To achieve effective protection against dengue, the Qdenga vaccine is administered in a series of two doses:
- First Dose: This initial dose starts the process of building immunity against dengue.
- Second Dose: Administered three months after the first dose, this dose completes the vaccination series, ensuring stronger and longer-lasting protection.
Additional Information
- Partial Protection: If you are unable to receive both doses before traveling, even one dose can provide partial protection. It is still recommended to complete the series for optimal efficacy.
- Timing: Ensure you plan your vaccination schedule well ahead of travel to dengue-endemic areas, allowing sufficient time for both doses.
For more detailed information and to book your vaccination, you can visit travel clinics like the Online Chemist Travel Clinic, which offers the Qdenga vaccine.
