Rwanda Journal, Entry 16: Shot Through the Arm (again)

I feel like I have yellow fever.

It's not that I have the symptoms yet; I literally just received the vaccination. It's more the knowledge that a virus, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of human lives, is coursing through my blood stream.

The nurse told me it was just a small amount the immune system can fight off. The needle was too big for that to be true. All I can do now is nervously consult WebMD and await the inevitable.  

I've been told to expect flu-like symptoms from the vaccination. Sudden fever and chills, acute nausea, headaches. Still, that sounds better than getting yellow fever and bleeding from my eyes!?! Jesus!

I mean it's not the worst disease ever, but if it means not having to deal with jaundice and worse, I'll suffer through the needle.

It's like Soren Bowie says, shots bring you one step close to invincibility, so I guess that's good. If I'm going to have one weakness, I'm glad it won't be to a condition that makes blood spring from my eyes. Even kryptonite wasn't that bad.

Ok, this may be worse.

Aside from that, Rwandan authorities won't let me in the country unless I'm immunized for it. Yellow fever is one of the few absolutely mandatory vaccinations. Once I've got the shots I need, I'll be able to apply for my student visa.

Before then I have to run to Montréal and buy a camera from my friend, Pascale. I'm heading off to do that now.