If you’ve read a newspaper or turned the news on over the
past month, you’re sure to have heard about the Zika Virus.
What is the Zika
Virus? The Zika Virus is a disease that is spread by mosquito. Zika is
currently spreading in Mexico and several South American Countries. Click this
link to view all countries where Zika is currently spreading: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/active-countries.html
What are the
symptoms? There are many symptoms of Zika. Some of the most common symptoms
include: fever, joint pain, red eyes, rash, headache, and muscle pain. It can
take anywhere between a few days and a week from exposure to the virus to
develop symptoms. The symptoms of Zika are typically mild and do not require
hospitalization.
How is treated? If
you have Zika, it is important to treat any symptoms you may be experiencing.
·
Tylenol can be helpful in reducing pain and
fever.
·
Water to prevent and treat dehydration
·
Rest!
·
Taking NSAIDs like Aspirin or Ibuprofen is NOT
recommended.
How can I prevent
getting the Zika Virus? How can I prevent spreading the Zika Virus?
You can prevent getting the Zika Virus by protecting
yourself against mosquito bites in areas where Zika is spreading. You can do
this by: wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants. If possible, stay where
there are windows or screens to keep mosquitos out. Use insect repellant
according to directions on the bottle. Also, use mosquito netting as
appropriate.
If you have Zika, you can prevent the spread of Zika by
staying away from any mosquitos during the first week of your illness. This is
important because if you have Zika and get bit by a mosquito, the mosquito that
bit you can bite someone else and give them Zika.
Zika & Pregnancy
The Zika Virus can be harmful to the pregnant woman’s unborn child. The CDC
(Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) recommends that pregnant women
should postpone any travel to any area where Zika is spreading. If travel is
necessary, it is important for the woman to talk with her doctor about steps to
prevent developing Zika. Why is this important? There appears to be a link
between the Zika Virus and a condition known as microcephaly. Microcephaly is a
birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than is expected. This condition
can cause significant long term health issues including: hearing loss,
decreased vision, and intellectual disabilities.
Want to know more about the Zika Virus? Visit www.cdc.gov
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